Coolock asylum centre protest camp

scolairebocht

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Coolock protest site.png

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A number of months ago information leaked out that the government was going to house asylum seekers in the old, large, Crown paints building on the Malahide Road in Coolock in North County Dublin. In response to which a large protest was formed, and its still there a few months later.

This is a large well organised 24 hour protest camp with, even Sky News acknowledges, a 'community feel' to it. There is one large protest building, with about three rooms, as well as a smaller one and a large tent. They even have a QR code on one of their signs where people can access more information. They receive donations from the local community, which are then accounted for with receipts etc.

To date it appears also to be very successful in that the government don't seem to be trying anymore to occupy the site with asylum seekers, but that could change suddenly and certainly the protest organisers are taking no chances.

What follows are some pictures of the site and an interview with one of the key organisers, Kevin Coyle, and also Geraldine and Bernie at the protest camp.

by Brian Nugent

Coolock protest site, 26 May 2024.jpg




 

scolairebocht

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While people like Shaun Crowe and Kevin Coyle were the real supports of the Coolock protest over these months, nonetheless there is a kind of alternative Coolock says No group including Alan Croghan and Paul Fitzsimons, who is running for the IFP in the General Election.

There is no love lost between them (for example the former have been burning Paul Fitzsimons' posters) and in any case the latter group has frequently accused, in the wrong, the former group of misappropriating monies raised on gofundme campaigns and paypal donations. This culminated in Kevin challenging Alan about this only for it to escalate into what Kevin describes as flat out attempted murder. He states Alan, who is a published author with Penguin publications, got into his car and determinedly tried to run Kevin down only for him to crash into a parked car.

Anyway all the No groups have to contend with people deliberately creating chaos and mischief but I hope not too many have to face attempted murder! Kevin, who is also running in the election of course, is alright thankfully.
 

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