At least two (one demonstrator hit by a vehicle during a protest, and a security guard attacked by anti-immigration protestors during the Coolock riots)
The protests, of which the Garda Síochána say were 307 in 2022 and at least a further 169 as of August2023[update],[2][3][4] raised concerns over the lack of provision of prior information to local residents and concerns around the impact that local population growth has on on facilities and housing.[5][6][7][8] Protesters have questioned the lack of women and children in some accommodation centres where there have been a high proportion of unmarried males.[7][5][9] Some protesters have also been influenced by rumours purporting asylum seekers carrying out violent or threatening acts that have been shown to be mostly baseless.[10][11][12][13] Additionally, Gardaí stated in March 2023 that there has not been an increase in crime as a result of international protection applicants nor a need for increased presence near the shelters.[14]Garda Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis reported that both attendance and frequency of protests "appeared to reach a peak" in March 2023.[3]
The presence of anti-immigrant protesters, members of far-right groups and violent criminals at these protests has been highlighted online and in the media,[7][15][16] and 17 people have been arrested at the protests in 2023 as of August[update].[4] Some far-right protesters have been labelled as "hijackers" of the protests' true purpose and some demonstrations have been described as misrepresentative of local sentiment.[15][17][18] Politicians have commented on the protests[19][20] including Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseachas of 17December2022[update], who said locals vetoing "the kind of people who get to live in their area" would not be right,[21] and the topic has been raised in Seanad Éireann and in a joint committee with Dáil Éireann.[22][23] Plans for better consultation with locals have been put in place and government handling has been both defended and criticised within the Oireachtas.[24]
Background
Protests at several locations in the north and west of the Republic of Ireland started in November 2018 against the placement of refugees in direct provision centres in rural locations.[25][26] Proposed refugee shelters were firebombed in Moville and Roosky, as was politician Martin Kenny's car in Ballinamore after he spoke in defence of refugees, and demonstrations were held in Roosky, Oughterard, Ballinamore, Carrickmacross and Achill.[27][28][29] What was the Minister of Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan and others claimed the 25 November 2018 fire at a hotel-turned-direct provision centre a week before 100 asylum seekers were going to move in was arson.[30]
Anti-immigrant members of far-right groups were involved in some of the protests.[31] Politicians and others took different positions on the protests, with some supporting them and others criticising them.[32][33][34] In February 2022, a major international refugee crisis occurred following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, with millions of Ukrainians displaced. Alongside almost all other European countries, Ireland accepted Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war; by mid-November 2022 over 58,000 Ukrainians had come to Ireland.[35] November 2022 was also the beginning of the protests against the development of sites as temporary refugee shelters by the DCEDIY.[1] Since the mid-2010s, Ireland has been experiencing a housing and accommodation crisis;[1] the simultaneous overlap of both crises exacerbated each other; the failure to provide housing meant that refugees could not expect to find much accommodation in Ireland, and the arrival of thousands of refugees in Ireland meant further strains on housing and accommodation demands that were already peaking.[1] The crises of accommodation were in spite of over 130,000 empty homes in Ireland 2022.[36]
Eastern region
Carlow protests
Protests organised by Carlow Says No took place in Carlow town in the South East of the country over the planned housing of 50 asylum seekers in the former Capuchin Friary building on Dublin Street.[37][38] The building was initially earmarked to house male asylum seekers but it was later announced that it would house families instead.[39] Protests again took place as the former St Brigid’s maternity hospital, also on Dublin Street, was earmarked to house 100 asylum seekers.[38]
East Wall protests
The Emergency Accommodation Centre at Two Gateway Building, East Wall Road
Protests started in East Wall in November 2022 over refugees arriving at an office block at the Two Gateway Building which was formerly used by the ESB Group. It was converted into an emergency accommodation centre and it is to be managed by Gateway Integration Ltd for at least 12 months starting from December 2022.[6] After locals questioning why there was no local consultation conducted in advance, the DCEDIY cited the urgency of the situation.[1] A leaflet was subsequently sent out to residents providing further information.[6][19]
Various reasons for the protest have been cited including: the lack of prior consultation with residents about the arrivals,[19] the potential overcrowding of children's facilities,[15] that the building is reportedly not fit for purpose,[40] and the lack of women and children in the initial group,[9] though local residents have described the protests as embarrassing.[15]
The only people staying at the building as of 25November2022[update] were around 100 single males who had arrived from Citywest and Athlone,[19][20] or who were previously living in tents, but the DCEDIY said that the next group to move in would be families.[41] Others have complained the government did not provide similar accommodation for people affected by the Dublin homelessness crisis.[42][43]
The protests also quickly became used by far-right groups such as the National Party and Irish Freedom Party to promote their ideologies, including Euroscepticism and extreme forms of Irish nationalism.[44][45][46] After videos of refugees arriving by bus spread online, it was used to promote racist and pro-Russian ideologies online,[47] as well as at the protest itself, with shouts of "hang them" and chants of "get them out" directed at the refugees.[48] Protesters and politicians have frequently mentioned that the refugees are Ukrainian refugees of the Russo-Ukrainian War when referencing the event, but the Department of Justice says that as of 2December2022[update] it has yet to determine the status of asylum seekers in the building and would ultimately deport any non-genuine refugees.[41]The Irish Independent said that some refugees are Afghan, Somali and Nigerian,[42] and one Afghan refugee identified themselves as having fled from the Taliban.[48] The DCEDIY has said that they are not economic migrants, despite a claim made by the activist Ben Gilroy.[41]
East Wall Protest Committee
On 28 November and 5 December 2022, protesters blocked access to the Dublin Port Tunnel,[49] leading to diversions, and a group of the protesters identifying as the "East Wall Protest Committee" have held further regular protests at the tunnel and on the East Wall Road,[50][51][52] on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as of November[update].[53] On the night of 18 December, they also blocked traffic accessing the East-Link toll bridge, Samuel Beckett Bridge and Busáras.[54] It is led by solicitor and former Workers' Party member, Malachy Steenson, a lifelong Socialist Republican.[7][15][55] During protests at Amiens Street, a spokesperson for the committee, Nigel Murphy, said that the protests organised by the group are not against asylum seekers in the area, but they are about "treating them suitably and giving them accommodation which is suitable." The committee has told their activists not to have any political banners as they would be "rejected by residents".[56] The degree of local support for and membership of the committee is unclear.[15]
On Thursday, 11 February video footage began circulating online of an anti-immigration group entering and attacking a "refugee camp" located on Upper Sandwith Street in the Dublin Inner City.[58] The following day on Friday, 12 February pro and anti-immigration protesters faced off outside of the camp. Later on the same day, the Gardaí and Fire Service had to be deployed to the area after the anti-immigration protesters began setting fire to tents in the camp.[58]Philip Dwyer was present with others protesting against the camp two days before.[59]
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar later commented on the event: "I condemn this violence unreservedly. It is malign opportunism. A tiny minority of people are clearly determined to make capital out of a difficult situation. The gardaí are carrying out an investigation. We cannot tolerate actions such as this."[60] Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin stated on Twitter: "This is racism pure & simple. Burning the tents of homeless people who have come to Ireland seeking international protection. This is not who we are as a people. We are better than this."[60] On 15 May 2023, an anti-immigration protester was arrested and charged with arson by the Gardaí following the events of the previous days.[61]
Leinster House protest
On 20 September 2023, protesters barricaded the back entrance of Leinster House, preventing TDs and Oireachtas staff from driving into the building.[62] News of the blockade was circulated prior on social media, with one Twitter post inviting people to attend at 10a.m. It was identified on social media with hashtags#CallToTheDáil and #IrelandIsFull and "Ireland belongs to the Irish".[63] About 200 people attended the demonstration around topics such as immigration, COVID-19 vaccines, transgender rights, sex education and proposed hate speech legislation.[64] The National Party described it as an "anti-government" protest. Gardaí lined up at the complex gate in front of the blockade shortly before 5:45p.m. A garda spokesperson said officers from Pearse Street station performed a policing operation at Leinster House "to facilitate the resumption of the 33rd Dáil at Government Buildings" and that "on a number of occasions, gardaí were required to intervene during public order incidents which occurred on Molesworth Street, Kildare Street and Merrion Street".
Traffic restrictions were put on Merrion Street and protesters were moved aside by the Public Order Unit to facilitate the TDs exiting by car. Sixteen cars, one of them containing Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald, were delayed for more than an hour for safety reasons.[62] The politicians were followed by protesters chanting "You'll never beat the Irish" and some brought along a makeshift mock gallows with an effigy of a hanging person that had been erected earlier in the demonstration, with portraits depicting prominent politicians including Roderic O'Gorman (the minister leading the DCEDIY) and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as well as other figures such as Drew Harris, the Garda Commissioner, and the former Chief Medical Officer, Tony Holohan.[62] The protests were later joined by "reinforcements" of about a dozen East Wall protesters led by Malachy Steenson.[65]
Bottles of urine were alleged to have been thrown at gardaí and independent TD Micheal Healy-Rae's intern Abby Caballero, whom he had first met that day, said her phone was taken from her trouser pocket while Gardaí escorted her and Healy-Rae through the jostling, swearing crowd.[66] Thirteen people were arrested in connection with the demonstration for public order offences.[63]
On 30 January 2023, a 19th-century building on Sherrard Street in Dublin's North Inner City was set ablaze after rumours circulated locally the building was going to be used to house refugees. The Gardaí began an arson investigation immediately afterwards.[67]
On 15 February one man was arrested after his vehicle struck one person during an anti-immigration protest in Dublin's North Inner City. The victim was taken to hospital while the driver was arrested before being charged with dangerous driving.[68]
On 2 February, a protest of about 50 attendees in Cookstown, Tallaght was met by counter-protesters and there was also a counter-protest against an anti-immigration group in Clondalkin.[69]
Since March, there was an increasing number of tents pitched outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street. In May, protesters shouted at asylum seekers there and pursued one man. The Garda Public Order Unit was dispatched and there was a fire in the area, but the Gardaí reported that there was nobody in the camp at the time.[70]
Kill protests
On 6 November 2022, protests and a meeting in a local GAA club were held by a group of locals of Kill, County Kildare over an equestrian centre earmarked for development as a transitional shelter for 350 refugees.[71] It had been sold in 2017 after a major flood in 2011, being identified as a floodplain.[72]Kildare County Council has also said the site is unsuitable and Mayor of Kildare, Fintan Brett, supports the protests, saying there is no lighting, ventilation and possibly without a sewerage system.[71] Concerns were also raised over lack of information, the possible lack of women and children (as there were no family units), and overcrowding, due to it increasing the local population by 10%. The protests passed without incident, but shortly after 8p.m. that day, a fire broke out in a shed in the rear of the centre and the incident was investigated by the Garda Síochána.[73] On the morning of Sunday 20 November 2022, a protest at Leinster House and an organised motorcade protest of between 100 and 200 vehicles from Kill to Naas and back was held by Kill locals.[73][5] Roderic O'Gorman held a meeting with Kill residents over the site after the two protests that day.[5]
One week later, on 27 November, a motorcade and protest was held at the entrance. Fiona Forkan of the Kill Residents Action Group told KildareNow that she "spent three days [...] trying to get a GP appointment" and said that there were fears about overcrowding for schools in the area. Forkan also says that she was told that it would only be Ukrainians being housed at the centre for a period of 12 months to three years.[74]
Arson threat
On 12 January 2023, a former dissident Republican who previously spent 18 months in prison for membership of an organisation calling itself the IRA was arrested after he threatened to burn down a hotel in Athy, County Kildare, housing 40 refugees.[75]The Irish Times named the man as Stephen O'Rourke and stated he is now a supporter of the National Party. Following a court appearance, O'Rourke was ordered to stay 500 metres away from the hotel and to not contact its staff or residents.[76]
Drimnagh protests
On 3 January 2023, a protest occurred outside Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School in Drimnagh.[77] Between 23 December and 3 January, Ukrainian refugees stayed in the building while it was empty during the Christmas holidays. Protesters mistakenly believed the occupancy to be permanent, and that schoolchildren would be unable to return to it. The Ukrainians had already left when the protest began at 7p.m. and protesters began chanting at cleaning staff entering the building, mistaking them for Ukrainians. The protest led to one woman being arrested and charged on public order offences. Further protests occurred on the evening of 4 January, and the morning of 5 January as schoolchildren re-entered the building as planned. In the aftermath, a "Drimnagh for All" counter-group was set up by the local community.[78][79][80]
Ballymun protests
The Travelodge hotel in Ballymun (2019)
On 8 January 2023, there were protests outside a Travelodge hotel in Ballymun, Dublin housing 221 International Protection seekers. There were also protests at a local school where the asylum seekers were previously housed. The protests were condemned by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, who told Today with Claire Burne that there were leaflets distributed to houses and "quite visual" banners at the protests. She also mentioned that "so much work has gone into Ballymun", mentioning public opinion about the suburb which she says seems to have been "destroyed".[81] Protesters blocked the M50 for about an hour, as well as others blocking Ballymun Road and Santry Avenue with sulkies.[69] Local councillors, schools, and other groups were due to have a meeting the day after.
Paul Browne of the Ballymun Family Resource Centre said that the protests ended almost as suddenly as they started, but TheIrish Times reported that there is still fear around the safety of women and children because of rumours such as African men taking pictures of girls at schools and an increase of antisocial behavior, but a Ballymun Garda spokesman said in relation to these rumours that the reports do not show this.[13]
On 20 January 2023, a group of men arrived at a migrant camp of 15 tents on the banks of the Tolka River in Ashtown, Dublin. They brought with them four dogs, including a German Shepherd and a pit bull terrier, and they shouted at the migrants to "pack up and get out now".[85] One was armed with a baseball bat, which witnesses allege was used to attack a Polish man who had been staying there since 2022. Kitty Holland, a journalist for The Irish Times alleges to have witnesses the attack.[86] The man told the paper that his arm had been x-rayed and that "everything is okay".[87] The migrants since abandoned the camp.[88] The other migrants are from Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, India and Scotland.[89]
Ten days after the alleged attack, around 200 local residents, trade union members and activists held a protest outside Ashtown railway station. Former TD Ruth Coppinger said that the attack does not represent the area and said people were "appalled" after learning of what organisers described as a "racist attack".[90] Leo Varadkar also said it has the "has the feel and look of essentially a racist attack".[91] People with Indian and Sudanese nationalities in the area have reported that they have become worried about their safety following the reports. Karen Dempsey, attending the protest on behalf of the group Dublin 15/7 who are against gender-related violence, alleged that the rationale for the attack was that rumours were spread that the migrants were violent against women.[11]
Finglas protests
On 1 February 2023, after renewed attempts to house refugees in a vacant factory in Finglas, Dublin, a crowd of roughly 200 people protested against immigration outside Finglas Garda station.[92] The protest was accompanied by the Garda Public Order Unit in riot gear, who also closed 1km of the street.[93] Subsequently, one of the protesters, Graham Carey, was arrested by armed members of the Special Detective Unit after he posted a threat on social media that the protesters would "go through" the Garda station and made other threats of violence.[94] Carey has been described as a local far-right activist who was previously involved in anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown protests.[95] Organisers told protesters to bring guns and other weapons to the protests and the local branch of the Garda Representative Association called the situation "near anarchy". Protests at the Garda station were attended by gangland criminal Wayne Bradley, who was previously convicted for an attempted robbery of a cash-in-transit van with his brother Alan Bradley.[16]
The attacks were motivated by allegations that black people or immigrants sexually assaulted a woman on Cappagh Road in the early hours of 27 January 2023, but Gardaí believe the supposed perpetrator was a white Irish male.[12]
On 3 February 2023, Carey was charged in court with incitement to hatred.[96] He was barred from social media, ordered to stay away from centres and locations housing refugees and was subject to a curfew.[97]
Ballybrack incidents
Attack on councillor
The DCEDIY planned in May 2023 to open 3 new accommodation centres to provide beds for 350 asylum seekers out of the 503 they had not accommodated. The house that was formerly the Senior College on Eblana Avenue in Ballybrack was among them, which can accommodate 140 people.[98] Minister of State Ossian Smyth of the Green Party mentioned the facilities in the area, local groups that would help the migrants with learning English, and its historical migrant population as a port town. Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit said that although the building was left unused for a decade, using it is "far better" than tented accommodation. However, the plan was criticised by for Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall its lack of consultation with residents and the "business community" about the new arrivals.[99]
At around 11:30p.m. on 17 July, a sizable rock was thrown through the front room of the family home of Hugh Lewis, an independent councillor in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council in Ballybrack. A cardboard note was attached demanding "Hugh, stop supporting f**king refugees or you'll have to move out. This is your last warning", though his 78-year-old father Patrick Lewis is the sole occupant of the house where he lives "most of the time" according to Hugh Lewis and was present watching television at the time of the attack. Spokesperson for the Gardaí investigated the incident as criminal damage. Patrick Lewis said the attack had him awake until 4a.m. that night but said he would not move out and "give in" to the attacker(s). Hugh Lewis told Today with Claire Byrne that his father was "unable to eat" the following day "he was kind of in shock". The Irish Times reported he sustained injuries as a result.[98] The attack was condemned by the county council's Cathaoirleach Denis O’Callaghan who described it as an attack on the 40-person council's unanimous vote on solidarity with international protection seekers and also "on democracy".[100] It was also condemned by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who condemned the attack "unreservedly" and that everyone should condemn unreservedly "attacking any individual or attacking their property" regardless of their views as it is "absolutely wrong".[101]
Ridge Hall protests and fire
A separate incident was attended to by Gardaí in Ballyback village that begun at 2p.m. that day where anti-immigration protesters smashed ground-floor windows of the building known as Ridge Hall on the Shanganagh Road.[102][103][104][105] It is a former GP surgery with apartments above it that rumours on social media claimed would have 60 "unvetted" male asylum seekers moving into it.[98] The Gardaí said in a statement that there was a gathering that caused a traffic disruption later in the evening and that there were local diversions. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, a Dún Laoghaire TD for Fine Gael, said in a Tweet that the "destruction and disruption in Ballybrack" is "unacceptable" and that trying to "frighten and intimidate local residents" is not the right solution but that she is "always happy to engage in a constructive way". She also requested information from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage about the refurbishment programme.[102] The department replied to local representatives by email saying that subsequent to the programme, it is passed on to them to house displaced Ukrainians but the building had "not yet been notified to this Department as being ready for use".[98]
On July 19, there was a protest of approximately 100 people who blocked roads by sitting on camping seats at the Ballybrack village center crossroads. Others sat under a gazebo outside the hall which they draped Irish flags and played Irish rebel music band The Wolfe Tones on a loudspeaker. The Irish Times reported that there appeared to be no political parties present and that half of the people there were women with teenage children. One protester said to that publication that they want to keep their "children and grandchildren safe", stated that people are afraid of the asylum seekers moving into the area, and complained that all political parties do is "use Facebook to call frightened women ‘racists’ and 'bullies'". When asked they said they do not support the aforementioned attack on the Lewis family home, calling it "awful".[98]
Dublin Fire Brigade was alerted to a fire at Ridge Hall at 8:23p.m. and three fire brigade units were dispatched. The fire was extinguished at 10p.m. and Gardaí believe that it started shortly before 8:20. The scene was preserved for technical examination as they looked into the suspicion of arson.[105]
Onlookers watch a Dublin Bus burning on O'Connell Street
On the evening of 23 November 2023, a riot took place in Dublin, Ireland, and involved multiple incidents of vandalism, arson, and looting in the city centre as well as assaults on Gardaí (Irish police) and members of the public.[106] Gardaí described the riot as the most violent in modern Dublin history, far surpassing the 2006 riots.[107] Initial estimates by Dublin City Council suggested that the damage could cost up to €20 million,[108] while then-Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, stated that it could cost "tens of millions".[109]
The riot was triggered by a man stabbing three young children and a care assistant at around 1:30p.m. GMT that day outside a primary school in Parnell Square East, Dublin. A five-year-old girl was critically injured and the care assistant—who had tried to shield the children with her own body—was seriously injured. In the hours following the stabbings, far-right activists used social media and messaging apps to spread public anger over immigration.[110] At a later point, the suspect was identified as Riad Bouchaker, originally from Algeria; he has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and assault and will face trial at the Central Criminal Court. The five-year-old girl was discharged from hospital in August 2024.
By 5p.m., a crowd of 100 to 200 anti-immigrant demonstrators had gathered at Parnell Square. The unrest began at around 6p.m. when demonstrators began throwing fireworks, flares and bottles at the Gardaí who were maintaining a cordon around the crime scene. Shortly before 7 p.m., a nearby Garda car was set on fire.[111][106] Rioting progressed to the adjacent O'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare, and also spread to Capel Street and Parliament Street. At its peak, the rioting crowd was estimated at 500 people.[112] Several Dublin Bus vehicles, Garda vehicles and a Luas tram were damaged or destroyed by arson and vandalism, and multiple shops were looted. In response, around 400 Gardaí were dispatched, including the largest deployment of Gardaí armed with riot gear in Ireland's history.[113] Approximately 60 Gardaí were assaulted during the riot, three of whom sustained serious injuries. By 10p.m., the rioters had been dispersed, with 34 arrests made that evening and further arrests made over subsequent days.[114][115]
In December, a protest was held in Ringsend amid false claims that the former Shipwright pub in Thorncastle Street, would be used to house asylum seekers.[117][118] A spokesman from the Department of Integration said that they had no plans to house asylum seekers in the premises.[118]
Around 2am on 31 December a fire broke out in the pub, requiring six fire engines and thirty firefighters to bring it under control.[118] Nobody was killed or injured in the fire.[118] Gardaí are treating the fire as suspected arson.[118]
Responses
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that "The incident in Ringsend is under investigation by An Garda Síochána, which is doing everything it can to determine the cause of the fire. If this was the result of a deliberate act, all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice. Anyone with information should contact the gardaí. The premises was intended for use as emergency accommodation for families."[118] Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said that if it was a deliberate act "he perpetrators will be brought to justice".[118] She also said "Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences" and "No one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order. An Garda Síochána are doing everything possible to determine the cause of the fire."[118]
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive said it "had planned to use the Shipwright for emergency accommodation for families. Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent. If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter. The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area."[118]
Archbishop of DublinDermot Farrell said that political and church leaders should counter significant misinformation about asylum seekers and migrants in Ireland.[119] He said that the majority of migrants arrive lawfully and "provide vital input" into public services.[119] He said a "rhetoric of polarisation is unhelpful" and that "racists" and "hate mongers" were trying to "poison the public discourse and politics".
Tallaght arson attack
On 21 May 2024 an arson attack occurred on an empty building on High Street in Tallaght.[120] The building was due to house asylum seekers.[120] An 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with the arson attack in court.[121] He was charged with criminal damage of the building on 21 May 2024 and bail was denied.[121]
A second arson attack on the building occurred in the early hours of 29 May 2024.[122]
Brittas protest and fire
Protests were held near Brittas, County Dublin at the entrance of the site of the former St. Brigid's Nursing Home in Crooksling over claims that asylum seekers would be housed there.[123][124]
Dublin Fire Brigade was called to the site of the former nursing home at 7am on 4 February.[123][124] A senior member of the Garda Síochána has been put in charge of the investigation, based at Tallaght Garda station.[123][124] A formal investigation of the site is scheduled to begin on 5 February.[123][124]
A number of well-known far-right figures had commented on the nursing home and protests on social media.[123]
Reactions
Leo Varadkar said he was "very concerned to learn about the fire at a former nursing home in Crooksling. In recent weeks there have been disturbing reports of suspected criminal damage at properties around the country. There is never any justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Garda investigations are underway into the incident in Crooksling".[123][124] He added "Arson is a serious crime punishable by up to ten years in prison. It is deeply ironic that some of those who try to link migration with crime engage in serious criminal activity themselves."[123][124]
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she was "appalled" at the attack and that those responsible would be brought to justice.[123][124]
Mayor of South Dublin Alan Edge said "I want to thank our amazing firefighters. If indeed it is arson, they have been placed at risk by the people who've done this. And in terms of the protests, we have been aware over the past couple of weeks of a number of protests. I think it's important to say that these protesters don't represent the majority of people in Brittas and certainly not in the county. I've spoken to a lot of people in Brittas, who are absolutely shocked and appalled by what's happened and who wants to make it clear that these people don't represent them."[124] He added "I think people are ashamed of what's happened. Certainly the community in Brittas who are good, decent people, and I think for people who are living in international protection, those who are seeking asylum, we have wonderful young men and women, but young men in particular in the county who are volunteering contributing to the community, and I think this will inevitably create a sense of fear."[124]
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said "Well, firstly, can I say that arson, attacking destroying buildings, is a criminal act. It is despicable that a criminal action like that is carried out in an atmosphere of… from some people… very ugly attitudes around newcomers asylum seekers and vulnerable people."[123][124]
A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said "An assessment of this property had recently begun by DCEDIY with the agreement of the HSE. This process is at initial stages and the property has not been contracted by the Department."[123] They also condemned any intimidation or violence towards International Protection applicants.[123]
Coolock protests and fires
A protest against using the former Crown Paint factory in Coolock for housing asylum seekers started in March 2024.[125] Councillor Daithí Doolan of Sinn Féin said there was a "criminal element embedded" in the protest.[125][126] Doolan stated that one person who had acted as an "ambassador" for the protest was a "convicted drug dealer" who "boasted of flooding Ireland with drugs" and was connected to the British National Party.[125][126]
On 15 July 2024, a large fire broke out at the site of the former factory beside the protest.[127] A JCB digger was destroyed in the fire.[127] Up to 200 Gardaí were on duty and the Garda Public Order Unit was deployed, while 21 people were arrested and charged with public order offences, including failure to comply with the orders of a Garda and with threatening or abusive behaviour.[126] Bricks and petrol bombs were thrown at Gardaí and firefighters and three Garda cars were damaged, including one set on fire.[126] Workers who were going to renovate the factory site were removed from it.[126] Gardaí said they were dealing with a "public order incident" and closed the Malahide Road, a major arterial road into the city centre.[126][128]Philip Dwyer was one of the people arrested and, like the others, was released on conditional bail provided he stay away from the former factory.[128]
Taoiseach Simon Harris described the scenes as "reprehensible", Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she was appalled at the "violent scenes and thuggish criminal behaviour" and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described the scene as unacceptable.[129]
Gardaí began a criminal investigation after a second fire broke out in the lobby area of one of the former paint factory buildings after 9 p.m. on 18 July 2024. Public order units arrived with the fire brigade, who brought the fire under control. Security staff were removed from the site earlier in the week after one of them was injured.[130] The next day, over 1,000 people attended a protest at the site.[131] Later in the evening, disturbances broke out, in which the disused factory was set alight again.[132] Three Gardaí were injured, including one hospitalised, and one arrest was made. The Public Order Unit was also deployed to the scene, in which objects were thrown by protesters.[133]
Gardaí are also investigating a series of threats made against a journalist at a national newspaper who was covering the disturbances.[134]
On 20 July 2024 another fire broke out at the former paint factory.[135] Two units of Dublin Fire Brigade were called, as well as the Garda Public Order Unit and the fire was put out.[135]
On 22 July 2024 it was reported that improvised incendiary devices had been seized the previous Tuesday after searches near the site of the fires.[136] Former assistant Garda Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan said a section of Gardaí needed new training and to be issued with helmets.[136] He said that the force had learned nothing since the November 2023 riot in Dublin City centre.[136] He also said that those involved in clashes with Gardaí were criminals with no political links and that they caused fires, damaged vehicles and created mayhem.[136]
Southern Region
Cork region
Fermoy demonstrations
On 29 November, videos similar to those taken in East Wall were taken by local soccer team owner Anthony Cody showing more refugees exiting a bus in Fermoy, County Cork.[7] Smaller protests on 26 November were instigated by Derek Blighe of Ireland First (a Telegram group with just over 3,100 subscribers) and attended by 70 people in the town over housing refugees in St. Joseph's Convent and he commended the East Wall protests in his address.[1][137] He claims that the 62 to 70 Ukrainians were not from Ukraine and that the Russo-Ukrainian War is not a war.[137][138] Concerns were again raised that there were only single men refugees, but all men were part of a family group.[7][139]
In response to this, up to 300 people from Fermoy held a counter-demonstration, 'Rally against Racism', organised by Fermoy and Mallow Against Racism with music and banners to show support for the refugees and to discredit the first protest.[140][141][139] At the demonstration, local musician Mo O'Connor performed his own composition, Homeland, about Mexicans who had migrated to the United States,[139] people in the community that run services supporting refugees gave speeches (such as the local Sanctuary Runners, also available for refugees in East Wall[1]), and local Cork politicians were there to support the event. Blighe said the counter-demonstrators from Fermoy were not from Fermoy and the counter-demonstrators similarly claim that the initial protesters are not from Fermoy and do not represent Fermoy.[7]
The convent had been derelict for 50 years[7] and refugees are also staying at the old Grand Hotel and in a separate church property as well.[139]
Assault of Garda
On 19 January 2023, a video was spread of an assault of a plainclothes member of the Garda Síochána on Oliver Plunkett Hill in Fermoy. The Garda was struck in the face after being questioned by an anti-refugee protester. Gardaí estimate the time of the assault to be at 6p.m. and have instigated an investigation.[142]
Mallow protests
On 25 January 2023, after the construction of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees in Mallow, County Cork, protests were held by locals who said there was no prior consultation with them before work got underway. Councillor John Paul O'Shea of Cork County Council said on C103 that there were test operations at the site, which he said the Office of Public Works had put forward as one of the locations for refugee accommodation and would discuss it further in a private meeting. He also said that there would be consultation if the housing was completed.[143]
Protests against the conversion of a vacant hotel into a direct provision centre in Lismore, County Waterford occurred on 31 January 2023. Three hundred people protested in the street in front of the Lismore House Hotel, which had been shut since 2016, and the leaders of the protest claimed the protest was not against the housing of refugees, but against the use of the building, which was previously listed as a heritage building. Planning permission to redevelop the hotel had been sought in 2021, but for the building to be used as a nightclub and cafe. That permission was denied in January 2022. Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh admitted on local radio that there had been a failure by the government to communicate with the local community about the new plans for the building, but be that as it may, the building was now needed immediately to house 117 asylum seekers, who would be brought in on a phased basis. The first phrase would see 67 women and children brought in. Ó Cathasaigh stated, "In good conscience, I cannot stand over a situation where a hotel stands empty while people are made homeless". After the initial protests, a counter-group, Lismore for All, was set up. A "Lismore Welcome project" group was already in existence following a 2019 attempt by far-right activists to infiltrate local meetings regarding the introduction of a Syrian refugee family into the area.[144][145]
Clare protest
At 6:40p.m. on 15 May 2023, tractors and cars moved into a blockade at the entrance to Magowna House in Inch, County Clare to protest a coach carrying about 33 male International Protection (IP) applicants to be housed in holiday homes there.[146][147] Hay bales also formed part of the blockade at both sides of the entrance to the hotel which had been closed for 4 years prior.[148][149] There was also an alleged incident where protesters boarded the coach and did a headcount of the refugees. Eimear O'Connor of the Health Service Executive-funded Clare Immigration Support Centre recounted to TheJournal.ie that the boarded protesters announced the headcount and a planned further one to "make sure that only the same number of people came back" from their destination. There were also reports of protesters checking people's identification but protesters said would they would not prevent an asylum seeker from leaving.[150][151] There was a pizza delivery that was refused access on 15 May but on the next morning the protesters said they would allow food deliveries through the blockade on "humanitarian grounds."[151]
Lucky Khambule, the co-founder of the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, criticised the Gardaí's lack of dealing with protests and anti-migrant groups in Clare as well as other events since 2018 that he listed and said the headcount incident was "scary and shocking". The Gardaí said they "continue to have a proportionate response" to what they describe as a "peaceful demonstration" and refused to comment on their handling of ongoing situations.[147]
Protesters complained that Minister O'Gorman of the DCEDIY refused to meet them in Clare "to view the location and accommodation". There were also concerns about the lack of provision of prior information, including to the Clare Immigration Support Centre which one of its purposes is specifically to integrate refugees into local communities.[152] At an online meeting with residents on 17 May, Minister O'Gorman acknowledged that communication to residents could have been better and addressed concerns over a fire cert.[153] While protests continued as usual after the meeting, after what Joe O'Brien, a DCEDIY Minister of State had what he described as an "honest, open discussion" with 100 local residents in Kilmaley on 20 May, the protests ceased at the entrance itself and protesters said they would continue protesting peacefully at road access points.[154] Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was opposed to the blockade but welcomed residents' concerns, but added that that "doesn't mean that anyone can say that certain types of people can't live in their area. We can't tolerate that."[155]
Philip Dwyer attended the protest as a citizen journalist, where he shouted at people, some of them refugees. He also "verbally abused" other journalists according to the Irish Examiner.[156]
A representative of the protesters said on 21 May that the location is "unsuitable for this purpose" and that they were "let down" by the reply by Minister O'Gorman to their elected representatives, which said that the site "had to be used" for the purpose as there was no alternative accommodation.[149] Sinn Féin TD and Deputy Mayor of Ennis Mary Howard said "There isn't a streetlight, there isn't a footpath. There is nothing there for them to do."[157] Some IP applicants were uncomfortable with the remoteness of the area as well as the protests during which seven left the accommodation overnight.[146][151][152]The Irish Examiner reported on one Somali refugee at the site who was not uncomfortable by the protests referencing that he found seeing people die in his home country incomparable.[148]
Wexford region
Rosslare Harbour
In early November 2023, the DCEDIY announced they were using the site of the former Great Southern Hotel in the village of Rosslare Harbour in County Wexford, which was earmarked to become a ninety-bed nursing home, to house 400 international protection applicants.[158] Counciller Ger Garthy had already been aware in early August and called Taoiseach Leo Varadkar a "hypocrite" for addressing the poor communication with residents while having the new development "slipped under the radar through a loophole around nursing homes that this government opened".[159] The DCEDIY's initial statement was that these applicants are mostly single males, but locals were then told that the plans had changed to being 44 males and the rest being families. There had already been 200 people being granted temporary protection and 90 international protection applicants accommodated in the area, Ukrainian refugees being accommodated across three hotels (the Dock Hotel, the former Ferryport Hotel, and the former Hotel Rosslare)[159] and an international protection accommodation centre.
A meeting of over 800 locals was held in St Mary's GAA Club in nearby Tagoat to voice concerns about overpopulation in the area that locals have described as being at "saturation point". Bernie Mullen, titled on South East Radio as Residents Group Chair, told the station that there were no existing nursing homes in the area and it was something locals had been asking for. She also said that the area only has one Garda, one GP, and that the school and community centre is at capacity.[160] Concern was also raised over where the elderly people of Rosslare will go if the nursing home does not go ahead. A meeting with locals was held with Roderic O'Gorman (the minister leading the DCEDIY) on 16 November and again the following day in the Garden Café in Rosslare after which locals began picketing outside and plans were made to blockade the Rosslare Europort. O'Gorman told locals at the second meeting that his department "will not and cannot walk away" from the development.[161] On 18 November, the date of the protest, around 1,000 people attended and the blockade affected the traffic coming to and from the port, with two ferries docking from noon to 1p.m.
Before the blockade, Wexford County Council had notified the developer Amhola Rosslare Nursing Home Trading Ltd, with an address in Dublin, that an enforcement notice would be issued if the development was unauthorised by its planning permission and has since referred various planning issues to An Bord Pleanála. Wexford TD Verona Murphy told RTÉ Radio that the council validated the notice to house the refugees there in October and said that their decision was a mistake. O'Gorman said that no contract will be signed until these issues are rectified.[158] One hundred and seventy refugees are due to be housed in the west wing of the hotel and further development is planned to allow 250 more in May 2024.[8]
Midlands region
Mullingar protests
On 2 February 2023, approximately 300 people protested against the use of Columb Barracks in Mullingar, County Westmeath by asylum seekers.[162] The Irish government plans to house up to 120 people in tents on the grounds of the barracks. A group called "Mullingar says No!" organised the protest and distributed leaflets claiming the barracks could be used to house 1,700 asylum seekers. Columb Barracks Restoration & Regeneration Committee, a pre-existing local organisation said they had concerns about asylum seekers using the barracks, but distanced themselves from the protest.[162] A spokesperson for the group said "We have nothing to do with this protest. What we want is for Roderic O'Gorman and his department to sit down and consult with us to come to a positive outcome for both the communities within the barracks and visitors who come. This is the only way, we feel, for a positive outcome to be achieved, and we want a positive outcome. Negotiation is key and if that was done in the first place this protest wouldn't be happening. As far as I'm aware no community groups within the barracks are involved in the protest. The situation has been manipulated and doubled in volume, leaving things in a dangerous place."[162]
On 24 March 2023, protesters blocked the entrance to Columb Barracks, stopping a bus carrying asylum seekers from entering the barracks around 1p.m.[163] A number of Garda units attended the scene in the evening and remained into the early hours of the following morning.[163] Around 9p.m. on 24 March a number of protesters blocked the entrance to the barracks again.[163] A Garda was assaulted around this time, but he didn't require medical treatment.[163] A man was arrested for public order offences shortly after midnight on 25 March.[163] He was later released and a file prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.[163]
Gardaí said the protest dispersed shortly after 1:30 a.m.[163]
On 27 March, Simon Harris described the attempt to stop asylum seekers entering the barracks was an "effort to intimidate".[164] Supporters of migrants reported feeling intimidated.[165] Known far-right activists have posted content on social media showing anti-migrant protesters following people believed to be staying in the barracks around the town.[165]
Cootehill
On 18 February 2023, around 60 people demonstrated in Cootehill against what they called the government's housing of "illegal immigrants on an industrial scale".[166] Organised by the Cavan Says No group, the protesters gathered at the former White Horse Hotel, chanting "Ireland is full". Those taking part spoke of their fears caused by rumours of "80 to 100 men of fighting age" coming to stay at the hotel. The protest was criticised by local community activist Ruairí McKiernan and migrant rights group Doras.[167][168]
Northern and Western region
Leitrim protests
On 24 November 2023, protests and illegal roadblocks were set up in Dromahair, County Leitrim, following rumours that buses carrying refugees would arrive from Citywest in Dublin.[169] It had been planned to accommodate 155 refugees in a recently refurbished local hotel. On 28 November, a meeting of the Community Engagement Group (CET) with some local residents representing Dromahair Concerned Citizens group was told that use of the hotel was delayed due to planning issues. Other local residents, including members of the Leitrim for All group, were prevented from accessing the meeting by members of Dromahair Concerned Citizens.[170]
Galway protests
In mid-December 2023, the DCEDIY announced that it planned to use the Ross Lake House Hotel in Rosscahill, Oughterard to house 70 people seeking refuge in Ireland who were international protection applicants. After the news emerged, there were protests outside on 16 December, with protesters blockading the entrance to the hotel, claiming the location was inappropriate for refugees.[171][172]
Later that night, emergency services were called to the scene after a fire broke out at the hotel. Video footage emerged on social media, with Gardaí saying they were investigating the "criminal damage incident by fire".[173] Minister Roderic O'Gorman described the fire as "deeply disturbing". Taoiseach Leo Varadkar condemned the incident and said "there is no justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Ever".[174] Four people in their 40s and 50s were arrested on 28 March 2024.[175]
Newtownabbey protests
John O'Dowd contacted Jon Boutcher, urging the removal of anti-immigration posters in Rathcoole (Newtownabbey). While the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) initially said the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) was responsible for removing the signs, PSNI eventually intervened due to delays. The posters, which threatened those aiding the settlement of Muslims or "illegals," were deemed a hate crime by police. Some posters remained, but authorities stressed the need for quicker action in the future. DUP MLA Philip Brett affirmed that the community welcomes Muslims and opposes the posters.[176]
Other issues raised
Lack of accommodation
The government's failure to find accommodation for asylum seekers has been criticised by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the latter saying that Ireland was in breach of their international obligations, specifically referring to an EU directive. It has also been raised by protesters to support the Ireland is Full movement, but Minister O'Gorman of the DCEDIY said the shortage is "short-term" and that "as a system, as a State, we can continue to fulfill our legal obligations and our moral obligations".[177]
Gardaí handling
The Policing Authority condemned unlawful escalations at the protests and applauded the Gardaí's balancing of the safeguarding of people and the right to protest after middle-ranking Gardaí joined those working at the frontline of the protests in raising concerns over the frontline being "grossly undertrained" for the escalating protests.[178]
After similar concerns were raised to Taoiseach Varadkar by the Antoinette Cunningham of the garda representative group the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, the Taoiseach said he understood from Simon Harris's meeting with Drew Harris (the Garda Commissioner), that "the training is in place". He addressed criticism from the public over Gardaí not intervening in the protests and said "there's a way of managing" them.[179] He later clarified on 22 May that "over-response by authorities of the state" is part of the far-right protesters' "playbook" and that he does not want to "fall into their trap" and instead to "build a consent" around housing International Protection seekers.[180] Cunningham said to Morning Ireland that Gardaí felt "they had not received proper training about peaceful crowd management" and criticised the commissioner's claim of "operational integrity" as frontline gardaí had no direction from senior garda management what their role was besides preventing a breach of the peace on top of her concerns of the frontline being grossly untrained.[181] She requested that there be training relating to the Public Order Act and the Incitement to Hatred Act for the "spontaneous protests that can arise with very little notice" that Gardaí have less time to plan for.
The phrase "Ireland is full" is a slogan that has trended on Twitter (as the hashtag "#IrelandIsFull") prior to these protests.[7] It purports to suggest that Ireland does not have any more accommodation or support for additional asylum seekers.
The anti-immigration movement claims to represent 90% of Irish people and that 90% of people polled disagree with the government's asylum seeker policy.[183][184][185]
Reactions
Political response
On 12 January 2023, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar commented that while communities have the right to be consulted by the government about who is placed there, he stated "I don't think any community can have a veto on who gets to live in their area. I think we need to be very careful not to make the mistake of confusing consultation and information with communities, which is important, with the idea that any community can have a veto on the kind of people who get to live in their area. That's not right."[21]
On 3 February 2023, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien commented that "First and foremost, what I saw in Finglas this week and what I have seen across the country with some of the protests has to be condemned outright. People have a right to protest and have their view, even if I don't share their view. They don't have a right to intimidate people. They don't have a right to bully people. Some of the activity we have seen is reprehensible" before suggesting that a number of the protests had been "hijacked" by "far-right agitators" seeking to capitalise on local unrest.[17]
On 5 February 2023, President Michael D. Higgins said in relation to the protests "What is unforgivable and must be opposed—publicly, vocally and unequivocally—are those who are trying to take advantage by sowing hate and building fear. We are in a position now where we have elements who are not interested in solving the long-standing problems within communities or the new arrivals. You mustn't give them the opportunity. The best way of not giving them the opportunity is to fill the place with services. These people who are going around whipping people up and so forth, you didn't see them previously making a case for housing, or for women's rights, or for equal rights of any kind".[186]
Joe O'Brien, a Minister of State at the DCEDIY told the lower house Dáil Éireann on 30 May 2023 that the Department of the Taoiseach had been making plans over several months to implement a communications strategy involving the provision of prior information, where possible, to local representatives about new migrants moving in.[99][187] In the meantime, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns TD described the cabinet as being "at war" on the issue, with the government's response being "chaotic", criticising the lack of information.
Polling
On 29 January 2023, RED C/The Business Post published polling that included a number of questions relating to immigration:[188]
Question
Yes
No
Don't know
Irish people welcome refugees, it's just the far-right activists that oppose this
55%
34%
11%
The government is doing a good job dealing with the Ukrainian refugee crisis
43%
49%
8%
I would support the government using new powers to install modular homes for Ukrainian refugees, without planning permission, in my area
45%
46%
9%
On February 5, Ireland Thinks/the Sunday Independent published polling that included a number of questions relating to immigration:[189]
Question
Yes
No
Don't know
Has Ireland taken in too many refugees in the past year?
56%
30%
14%
Do you think those who are opposed to the location of refugee centres across Ireland are:
Predominantly concerned local residents
Predominantly far-right agitators
Don't know
48%
44%
8%
Do you believe the media reporting of the refugee situation in Ireland is
Biased in favour of refugees and against those with concern
A balanced fair reflection of the issues involved
Biased against refugees and in favour of those with concerns
You agree that Ireland has taken in too many refugees in the past year
61%
56%
47%
21%
41%
33%
16%
89%
76%
In May 2023, Red C/The Business Post published another polling that included a number of questions relating to immigration: It found that 75% of people thought that Ireland is taking in too many refugees, it also found that of Sinn Féin supporters it was 83%, Fianna Fáil it was 74% and Fine Gael at 70%. For supporters of independents it was 88%.[190]
Business response
On 4 February, TheIrish Times reported that internal memos amongst members of the government coalition warned that hoteliers were backing away from taking government contracts over fears that protests would take place outside their businesses.[191]
"Ireland for All" Solidarity Rally
Marchers during the "Ireland for All" Solidarity rally on 18 February 2023
On 18 February, around 50,000 marchers rallied in Dublin and others in Sligo under the banner of "Ireland For All". The Dublin rally was organised by the newly founded organisation, "Le Chéile", which comprises almost 50 member organisations and which had called for a march in support of "diversity not division", and opposition to racism.[192] Attendees at the Dublin rally included members and supporters of Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Labour Party and People Before Profit-Solidarity. Other organisations present included various trade unions such as Fórsa, SIPTU and the Teachers' Union of Ireland; the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, Pavee Point and the National Women's Council of Ireland. Marchers were still passing the GPO as the front of the march reached Custom House Quay. When the march arrived at the Customs House, Christy Moore spoke and performed, and Bernadette McAliskey addressed the rally, saying "...the question that must be asked of the nation and of individuals is 'Whose side are you on?'" She said one side is the side of humanity, decency and human rights, and that the other side is "on the road to fascism."[193][194]
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