A chaotic scene unfolded in Santry early on Saturday morning as buses arrived at a warehouse unit marked for asylum seeker accommodation. The arrival of the buses was met with a small number of protesters, who were held back by Gardai at the entrance of the industrial estate. The protests were the latest in a series of demonstrations against the proposed accommodation centre.

The situation quickly turned tense as a woman became hysterical at the sight of the buses. She was seen shouting and banging on the windows of one of the vehicles. Gardai intervened to calm the situation, but tensions remained high throughout the morning.

The proposed accommodation centre has been a source of controversy in the area, with some residents expressing concerns over the impact it could have on the local community. The centre is set to house up to 80 asylum seekers, many of whom are fleeing conflict and persecution in their home countries.

The protests have been condemned by local politicians and community leaders, who have called for calm and understanding. “We understand that there are concerns in the community, but we must remember that these are people who are in desperate need of our help and support,” said one community leader. “We need to come together as a community to ensure that these people are welcomed and supported as they begin to rebuild their lives.”

Despite the protests, the accommodation centre is set to open in the coming weeks. The Department of Justice has assured residents that the centre will be run in a safe and secure manner, with strict protocols in place to ensure the safety of both residents and the wider community.

The incident in Santry highlights the ongoing debate around asylum seeker accommodation in Ireland. While many people are supportive of efforts to provide shelter and support to those in need, others are concerned about the impact that such centres could have on their local communities. As Ireland continues to grapple with this issue, it is important that all voices are heard and that a balanced and compassionate approach is taken.