Coolock protests: Gardaí 'harvesting' CCTV and social media to catch rioters

An Garda Síochána says its officers are currently "harvesting" social media images and CCTV footage in order to catch those responsible for violent and public disorder in Coolock on Monday.

Protests escalated in the area on Monday as people gathered to demonstrate against the planned revamp of the old Crown Paints warehouse for use as accommodation for asylum seekers.

Machinery was set on fire while a number of Garda vehicles were also damaged during the day of disorder in Coolock. Gardaí are working to track down those responsible after already bringing 15 people before the courts on Monday evening.

A statement confirmed: "An incident room has been established at Coolock Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed.

"An Garda Síochána is in the process of collating and harvesting CCTV and social media images from the events on Monday, July 15, 2024.

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"An Garda Síochána wishes to acknowledge the significant volume of support received from the public to date including calls to Coolock Garda Station, the Garda Confidential phone number and receipt of images and videos from members of the public.

"An Garda Síochána is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed these incidents to come forward.

"Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were on the Malahide Road or surrounding areas on Monday 15th July 2024, between 9am and 8pm, are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

"An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person with any information on the events on Monday or has any information on persons organising or involved in Monday’s events to contact the Garda investigation team.

"The Garda investigation team can also be contacted at Coolock Garda station at 01 666 42000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."