Dublin South Central Area Committee has today passed a motion condemning recent violence in Coolock.
Sinn Féin Group Leader on Dublin City Council, Cllr. Daithí Doolan said:
“The violence we witnessed in Coolock was wrong. Those who organised it and carried it out must face justice.
“It is very clear those who sowed the seeds of violence and destruction do not speak for the good people of Coolock.
“The passing of today’s Emergency Motion is important. It has been agreed to circulate the motion to all Area Committees across Dublin and it will be sent to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and to Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman.
“We need strong political leadership to help address the many challenges facing working class communities across Dublin. Many have been ignored by the establishment for generations. Attacking and burning down emergency accommodation is not the solution. Those behind these actions are anti community.
“Those attempting to justify the violence offer nothing to our communities. They are self-serving and will only lead people in to a cul-de-sac.
“I was heartened by the level of cross-party support I received for the Sinn Féin motion at today’s council meeting.”
Emergency motion: This Area Committee condemns the recent violence in Coolock. The scenes witnessed at the former Crown site on the Malahide today are deplorable. The burning of vehicles and attempted burning of the building are violent criminal acts and must be strongly condemned. Those responsible should desist immediately. This is an effort to spread fear and hate in our communities and the vast majority of decent people want nothing to do with it. The Department of Integration has stated that the site is to be developed to accommodate families applying for international protection. Any concerns that people have about this should be raised peacefully and democratically. Violence, intimidation and arson should have no place in our communities. Everyone deserves respect, including men, women and children due to be accommodated at this site. Equally, we need to see constructive engagement with communities to ensure that all necessary facilities are in place for both the local population and those accommodated in the centre. We call on the chair of this Area Committee to circulate this motion to other Area Committees, to the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Integration.
