Protesting Travellers were last night using a JCB with rock-breaking equipment in an attempt to re-open vehicular access to the Finglas end of Dunsink Lane in north Dublin, which has been blocked by the local councils. Gardai observed the scene but did not intervene.
Earlier some 150 Travellers from the Dunsink Lane area congregated on the N3 at around 3.30 p.m. to protest at the erection of the barrier blocking the entrance to Dunsink Lane, near their halting sites. They say the barrier is causing them major inconvenience and forcing them to travel to Finglas by a much longer alternative route.
The barrier was erected by Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council in a bid to halt illegal dumping on Dunsink Lane. Garda sources also said it would help disrupt criminal activity allegedly being conducted by a minority of families living at various sites off the lane.
Around 150 uniformed gardaí, backed by eight riders from the Garda Mounted Unit and a helicopter from the Garda Air Support Unit, were at the scene of yesterday afternoon's protest. Representatives from the Traveller group met gardaí before the event and agreed the protesters would only block one lane on both sides of the road. Traffic moved freely through the roundabout at Auburn Avenue until the protesters dispersed at 5 p.m.
From dawn yesterday there was a heavy Garda presence in the Dunsink area, after a night of disturbances. During Thursday night the lodge of Dunsink Observatory was badly damaged following an arson attack, while there was also an attempt to destroy the concrete barrier.
During a protest in morning rush-hour traffic yesterday at the Auburn Avenue roundabout three people were arrested, including Travellers' Rights activist, Mr Martin Collins. They were released without charge later yesterday morning.
Supt Mick Roche, of Blanchardstown Garda station, said the protest had been largely peaceful. "In fairness, we've had no confrontation."
Meanwhile officials from Dublin City Council said they were open to dialogue with the Traveller community, but were adamant some form of barrier to prevent through-traffic would have to remain. Speaking in a personal capacity, Dr Maurice Manning, the president of the Human Rights Commission, said he was "greatly disturbed" by the barrier.
It was erected following discussions with gardaí, customs officials and senior civil servants, which were instigated by the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Mr Noel Ahern, who is also a local TD.
A spokesman for the Travellers group said its representatives would meet local authority officials on Monday. If a commitment was not given to move the barrier, other Traveller groups around the city would be called on to join the protest and block roads in their areas. A major protest on O'Connell Street or the Quays has been mooted for the middle of next week.