Latest news with #CrownPaints
Sunday World
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
Woman (40s) due in court over Coolock riots that broke out last year
Gardai say the investigation into the 'serious public order incident' on the Malahide Road last July is continuing The former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, which was at the centre of a protest over plans to redevelop it to house asylum seekers (Niall Carson/PA) A woman is due in court this morning in relation the Coolock riots that broke out in Dublin last year. Gardai say the investigation into the 'serious public order incident' which occurred on the Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 on July 15, 2024 is continuing. 'A woman, aged in her 40s, is due to appear before Dublin District Court (Court 8) at the Criminal Courts of Justice in relation to this investigation this morning, at 10.30am,' a Garda spokesperson said. 'Investigations are ongoing.' The site on the Malahide Road had been the scene of considerable unrest over plans to develop the former Crown Paints factory located there into accommodation for international protection applicants and Ukrainians who have fled the war in their home country. The government had previously said they plan to house up to 500 international protection applicants in the former factory in Coolock. For months, groups of protestors had camped outside the site and held a number of demonstrations condemning the plan to house asylum seekers in the building. However, it emerged earlier this month that the Department of Justice will not proceed with the project. In a letter to local TDs and councillors, the department said it was no longer seeking to establish an Ipas centre on the site.
The Journal
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
'Less pressure on the system' due to drop-off in asylum applications since start of year
THE NUMBER OF applications by people seeking asylum in Ireland has almost halved compared to last year. This drop has eased pressure in the accommodation system, according to groups working the sector, resulting in less demand for beds and making it more likely for the government to not progress plans for accommodation centres in some instances. This week has seen confirmation that some prominent locations will not be used for International Protection Accommodation Services (Ipas). The former Crown Paints site in Coolock has been ruled out – almost a year after protests turned into violence amid opposition to the plans – and a smaller site in The Liberties was also rejected. From January to April this year – as per data published by the International Protection Office – there has been a 43% drop in applications for Ireland's asylum system here compared to the same timeframe for last year. The total number of applications for international protection up to April for this year was 4,096 – a significant fall compared to the 7,187 applications for the same period last year. Advertisement A statement by the Department of Justice – which recently took over responsibility for Ireland's asylum system – explained that among its considerations when deciding on the Coolock site was the 'current level of need in the sector'. It said it also gives consideration to the location, access to services and welfare of residents. John Lannon, chief executive of Limerick-based humanitarian organisation Doras, which works with refugees and asylum seekers, told The Journal that he believes the government has become 'pragmatic' about centres in light of the reduced pressure. 'The numbers of people applying for international protection have gone down, which is obviously resulting in a bit less pressure on the system,' he said. Lannon also pointed to a shift from Ukrainian to Ipas accommodation by some private sector providers as also freeing up space for asylum seekers, thereby lessening the need for new accommodation centres. 'And if and where they're successful then that helps to ease up room,' Lannon said. 'The consequence of that, of course, is that you get Ukrainians who have started to make a life for themselves in one part of the country, then they are uprooted and brought to a different part of the country .' Lannon said that 'huge efforts' had been made to try and get people who've received documentation out of the existing Ipas centres, which he said has not been as successful because of the lack of availability of housing. A further issue that sometimes halts the development of some centres is where planning issues are identified early on in a development, leading to compliance issues or problems facing the accommodation provider over whether they can demonstrate that they can be compliant with planning regulations. This has lead to some failing to meet early hurdles according to figures working in the sector. However, Lannon said he was concerned by the opposition that has remained to Ipas centres in communities and said that community engagement often isn't enough when the same areas suffer from inadequate GP care and school places. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
‘I was very upset about how Coolock came across': Locals believe handling of IPAS centre plan was a ‘disaster'
Most who spoke to The Irish Times in Coolock, north Dublin, on Friday welcomed the news that asylum seekers will not be housed in the former Crown Paints factory site, describing the U-turn as a 'victory for the people'. A small number voiced concern, describing the development as a 'win for the far-right' and a 'dangerous precedent'. [ Asylum seekers will not be accommodated at former Crown Paints site in north Dublin ] All said the controversy, which last year led to round-the-clock pickets at Malahide Road site and to violent confrontations in July between protesters and gardaí when works began, had been badly mishandled by Government. Marie, who appeared to be in her 70s and was pulling a shopping cart, said it was 'good news'. READ MORE 'There are so many children around and the old folks as well. We can't have men roaming around at night-time,' she said. A reported 574 single male asylum seekers were to be accommodated at the proposed International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) site. 'It was the wrong decision to put people living there from the start. The site should be used to provide play and youth facilities,' Marie said. Asked what she thought of last year's protests, she said: 'It was a good thing the people got out and let them know what we felt. It is a victory for the people of the area.' The former Crown Paints factory was targeted in arson attacks. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Brian, a retired OPW worker, said 'lovely' when told the news. 'Fair play to the people [picketing]. They stood by it,' he said. 'I have nothing against people being housed, but I would like to see our own being housed first. 'I have a niece. She has a good lot saved [to buy a house] and a terrific job, but because she's single the bank won't give her the rest. She is still in the house with her parents. She is nearly 40. It does make people angry.' Gary, who emigrated two years ago as he could not afford to rent in Ireland, said he watched the protests online. 'I know from my own parents, they were worried. It was the not knowing who was coming, would they be safe. They weren't informed. That got them very upset. I'd say they will be delighted,' he said. 'It seemed there wasn't enough information given. I don't think there was enough consideration for people's feelings and concerns.' Brian and his friend Pat said the protesters 'wouldn't let [male asylum seekers] and were right'. 'I live not far from that area,' Brian said. 'I know what happened at the protests was wrong and it got out of hand ... it was disgraceful, but you can't blame the people. 'I am not racist. I have nothing against them, but I think what's happening is all wrong.' Asked to explain, he said asylum seekers were 'coming down from the North, tearing up passports' and 'we don't know where they've come from'. A woman in her 40s, who did not want to give her name, said: 'It's good if it stops all the arguments that was going on'. However, Lucy, in her late 20s, described the Government U-turn a 'disgrace'. 'People have the right to protest, but I don't think it should be up to communities to say, 'not in my back yard'. It sets a dangerous precedent that anyone can do that [in] any town that doesn't want migrants,' she said. 'It feels like the Government are now basically saying it's acceptable to set a potential IPAS centre on fire.' Another woman, in her 30s, said the protests and riots were 'a really sad time'. 'I was really upset about how Coolock came across. I don't think a paint factory is the right place to put people ever, but I also think this country needs to take its responsibility seriously, to welcome people who need it. 'The way Government has handled this who thing has been a disaster.'
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Asylum seekers will not be accommodated at former Crown Paints site in north Dublin
The Government has U-turned on plans to locate asylum seekers at a controversial site in Coolock, north Dublin. The former Crown Paints factory in the north Dublin suburb was the scene of violent confrontations between gardaí and protesters in 2024 , as well as a rolling protest encampment that became a rallying point for those opposed to the project. In an email sent to local representatives on Friday morning, the Department of Integration confirmed that that the Department of Justice is 'no longer considering the offer of a potential IPAS accommodation centre at the former Crown Paints site in Coolock'. Since 2023, a provider had been developing a proposal to convert the site into an IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) accommodation centre, the local representatives were told in an email from the Community Engagement Team. READ MORE 'The prolonged nature of this particular proposal's progress through development and planning stages have been significant factors in the decision to discontinue the appraisal of this offer. 'All offers of international protection accommodation are appraised according to a range of factors, including the site and its potential, value for money to the State, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.' It said that consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.
Sunday World
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
Far right activist Scott Delaney jailed in UK for drugs haul after years on the run
Delaney has become one of Ireland's most prominent far right influencers and has amassed thousands of followers on social media. Scott Delaney, also known as Scott Knight is an outspoken far-right supporter The convicted drug dealer and son of gangland killer 'Cotton Eye' Joe Delaney has been jailed for drug offences in the UK. Scott Delaney (50), who is also known as Scott Knight, was jailed for five years at Mold Crown Court in March after he was arrested in Holyhead while on his way back to Dublin. Delaney had been wanted on drug charges for more than 10 years after being found to have been producing cannabis at his then-address on Worsley Road North, Manchester in March and October of 2015. He had previously admitted two counts of producing cannabis, and possession of MDMA and cannabis but was only arrested in March of this year at the Port of Holyhead while returning home to Dublin from Manchester. In recent years, Delaney has been based in Dublin where he has become one of Ireland's most prominent far right influencers and has amassed thousands of followers on social media. Delaney (50), who claimed he was once the biggest ecstasy dealer in Dublin, has previously called on 'everyone who belongs to the Irish underworld' to join the far-right National Party in Ireland He played a leading role in the protest at the former Crown Paints warehouse on the Malahide Road claiming he doesn't want protection applicants being 'dumped around Irish women and children'. However, despite his concerns about immigrants causing crime in Ireland – a UK court heard in March how Delaney had himself been the target of an international policing operation. Scott Delaney (son of Cotten Eye Joe Delaney) It was revealed in court how Knight was stopped in France as he was approaching the Channel Tunnel border on March 15, 2015, and two assault rifles were found. While he was still in custody in France, the National Crime Agency executed a warrant at his address in Manchester on March 17. There they found 33 mature and 36 immature cannabis plants, as well as 48 seedlings, and evidence of a previously harvested crop. Described it as 'reasonably professional grow', with a potential yield of 5.6kg and a street value of up to £56,000, Knight told police he had been allowing a friend to grow cannabis there. Police also recovered a small amount of MDMA, in powder form, from his kitchen. Scott Delaney, also known as Scott Knight is an outspoken far-right supporter Delaney was initially remanded in custody in France before being bailed. Alerted to his release, officers searched his property again on October 7, 2015 where they found another cannabis grow, of 80 plants, with a potential yield of 2.5kg and a street value up to £25,000. Though Delaney was charged, he failed to attend court in December 2015 and remained on the run until being arrested. The North Wales Chronicle reports that Knight, who had five previous convictions for as many offences, was represented in court by Simon Mintz who said his client who has a career as a boxing trainer had been 'out of trouble' for the last 10 years. Mr Mintz said that in that time he had led a 'normal, productive life' with his family in Dublin, but Judge Rhys Rowlands told Delaney he had produced cannabis 'on a significant scale'. 'You've basically avoided the consequences of your behaviour for a period of some 10 years,' the judge told, him. Delaney, has been an outspoken supporter of the far-right movement and had previously ranted about how Ireland had been 'destroyed with heroin and crack cocaine — the genocide powder.' He has also already served time in prison for his part in the murder of Mark Dwyer, who was killed in 1996 over a stash of ecstasy. Dwyer was tied to a chair and beaten with iron bars for several hours after 40,000 ecstasy tablets had been stolen. Scott's father, Joe Delaney, had decided Dwyer was behind the theft and ordered that he be kidnapped and brought to him. Scott was later convicted of murder, but this was quashed on appeal, and he was sentenced to five years on a new charge of accessory to murder. His father, a notorious criminal figure in Dublin, was jailed for life for Dwyer's murder. In a 2022 interview on YouTube, Delaney described how he was one of the main ecstasy dealers in 1990s Dublin at the age of 22. In February last year, we published photos of Delaney, a strident supporter of the far-right movement which links immigrants to crime, taking a 'hit' from a pipe as innocent passers-by walked past him in Dublin's north inner city. In 2007, Delaney was also exposed as a fully paid-up member of the anti-Irish British National Party (BNP) after their membership details were leaked to the press Last year, Delaney appealed to Irish people to join the far-right National Party, claiming: 'The National Party is really the best choice we have for saving our country and our people. If everyone was to give support to the National Party, Ireland would be in a far, far better place. Scott Knight - also known as Scott Delaney 'No homelessness. No country destroyed with heroin and crack cocaine — the genocide powder.' He has also used social media to claim he had set up a 'firing squad' to 'take out' paedophiles in Ireland. He posted the bizarre warning on TikTok, which he has previously been banned from, in a video in January where he claims paedophiles fleeing harsh new laws in the US will be 'landing in Ireland'. The previous September, Delaney called for people to join a protest outside Mountjoy Prison in support of jailed Enoch Burke and to protect children from 'paedophilia.' This was not the first time that he had publicly supported Burke having previously urged followers to do 'the decent thing' and write a Christmas card to Burke who was spending the festive season in Mountjoy Prison. He also backed the racist anti-immigrant protest in Belfast in August that descended into violent chaos. And he posted a video the day after the murders of three young girls in Southport which sparked rioting across the UK blaming it on 'a radical Muslim'. In March, he urged people to join in the protest at the former Crown Paints warehouse on the Malahide Road saying he doesn't want international protection applicants being 'dumped around Irish women and children'.
