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Protests at several locations inIreland started in early November 2022 after the development of sites in various parts of the country astemporary asylum seeker shelters by theDepartment of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), as it attempted to accommodate the influx of 65,000 refugees during 2022.^[1] Protests were held inEast Wall,Ballymun,Drimnagh and elsewhere inDublin;Fermoy andMallow inCounty Cork;Kill, County Kildare;Lismore, County Waterford;Mullingar,County Westmeath;Inch,County Clare; andRosslare Harbour, County Wexford.

The protests, which theGarda Síochána say numbered 307 in 2022 and at least a further 169 as of August 2023^[update],^[2][3][4] raised concerns over the lack of provision of prior information to local residents and concerns around the impact that localpopulation growth due to about accommodating refugees had on facilities and housing.^[5][6][7][8] Protesters have questioned the lack ofwomen andchildren 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 ofinternational 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 ofanti-immigrant protesters, members offar-right groups and violent criminals at these protests has been highlightedonline 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] Politicianshave commented on the protests^[19][20] includingLeo Varadkar, theTaoiseach as of 17 December 2022^[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 inSeanad Éireann and in ajoint committee withDáil Éireann.^[22][23] Plans for better consultation with locals have beenput in place and government handling has been both defended and criticised within theOireachtas.^[24]

Protests at several locations in the north and west of theRepublic of Ireland started in November 2018 against the placement of refugees indirect provision centres in rural locations.^[25][26] Proposed refugee shelters werefirebombed inMoville andRoosky, as was politicianMartin Kenny's car inBallinamore after he spoke in defence of refugees, and demonstrations were held in Roosky,Oughterard, Ballinamore,Carrickmacross andAchill.^[27][28][29] What was the Minister of Justice and EqualityCharlie 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 offar-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, amajor international refugee crisis occurred following the2022 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 in 2022.^[36]

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 theESB 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,^[37] 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 25 November 2022^[update] were around 100 single males who had arrived fromCitywest andAthlone,^[19][20] or who were previouslyliving in tents, but the DCEDIY said that the next group to move in would be families.^[38] Others have complained the government did not provide similar accommodation for people affected by theDublin homelessness crisis.^[39][40]

The protests also quickly became used by far-right groups such as theNational Party andIrish Freedom Party to promote their ideologies, includingEuroscepticism andextreme forms ofIrish nationalism.^[41][42][43] After videos of refugees arriving by bus spread online, it was used to promoteracist andpro-Russian ideologies online,^[44] as well as at the protest itself, with shouts of "hang them" and chants of "get them out" directed at the refugees.^[45] Protesters and politicians have frequently mentioned that the refugees are Ukrainian refugees of the Russo-Ukrainian War when referencing the event, but theDepartment of Justice says that as of 2 December 2022^[update] it has yet to determine the status of asylum seekers in the building and would ultimately deport anynon-genuine refugees.^[38]The Irish Independent said that some refugees areAfghan,Somali andNigerian,^[39] and one Afghan refugee identified themselves as having fled from theTaliban.^[45] The DCEDIY has said that they are noteconomic migrants, despite a claim made by the activistBen Gilroy.^[38]

On 28 November and 5 December 2022, protesters blocked access to theDublin Port Tunnel,^[46] 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 theEast Wall Road,^[47][48][49] on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as of November^[update].^[50] On the night of 18 December, they also blocked traffic accessing theEast-Link toll bridge,Samuel Beckett Bridge andBusáras.^[51] It is led by solicitor and formerWorkers' Party member,Malachy Steenson, a lifelongSocialist Republican.^[7][15][52] During protests atAmiens 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".^[53] The degree of local support for and membership of the committee is unclear.^[15]

The committee paused their protests to meet withRoderic O'Gorman (theMinister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth),Paschal Donohoe (theMinister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform), and another committee but Steenson said prior to the meeting that he had no intention of ceasing the protest if the centre was not closed within seven days. Protests resumed after the meeting, blocking traffic again on 2 December.^[19][54] ASunday World report also described Steenson andHermann Kelly, leader of theIrish Freedom Party, using the protest to speak out against the provision oftampons in the male toilets ofDáil Éireann,LGBT and Ukrainian flags being flown over State buildings,Sinn Féin and its leaderMary Lou McDonald, localSocial Democrats TDGary Gannon, theEU and the "super woke".^[43]

On Thursday, 11 February 2023, 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.^[55] 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.^[55]Philip Dwyer was present with others protesting against the camp two days before.^[56]

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."^[57] Sinn Féin TDEoin 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."^[57]On 15 May 2023, an anti-immigration protester was arrested and charged with arson by the Gardaí following the events of the previous days.^[58]

On 20 September 2023, protesters barricaded the back entrance ofLeinster House, preventing TDs and Oireachtas staff from driving into the building.^[59] News of the blockade was circulated prior on social media, with oneTwitter post inviting people to attend at 10 a.m. It was identified on social media withhashtags#CallToTheDáil and#IrelandIsFull and "Ireland belongs to the Irish".^[60] About 200 people attended the demonstration around topics such as immigration,COVID-19 vaccines,transgender rights,sex education andproposed hate speech legislation.^[61] TheNational Party described it as an "anti-government" protest. Gardaí lined up at the complex gate in front of the blockade shortly before 5:45 p.m. A garda spokesperson said officers fromPearse Street station performed a policing operation at Leinster House "to facilitate the resumption of the33rd Dáil atGovernment Buildings" and that "on a number of occasions, gardaí were required to intervene during public order incidents which occurred onMolesworth Street,Kildare Street andMerrion Street".

Traffic restrictions were put on Merrion Street and protesters were moved aside by thePublic Order Unit to facilitate the TDs exiting by car. Sixteen cars, one of them containingSinn Féin presidentMary Lou McDonald, were delayed for more than an hour for safety reasons.^[59] The politicians were followed by protesters chanting "You'll never beat the Irish" and some brought along a makeshift mockgallows with aneffigy of ahanging person that had been erected earlier in the demonstration, with portraits depicting prominent politicians includingRoderic O'Gorman (theminister leading the DCEDIY) and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as well as other figures such asDrew Harris, theGarda Commissioner, and the formerChief Medical Officer,Tony Holohan.^[59] The protests were later joined by "reinforcements" of about a dozenEast Wall protesters led by Malachy Steenson.^[62]

Bottles of urine were alleged to have been thrown at gardaí and independent TDMicheal 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.^[63] Thirteen people were arrested in connection with the demonstration for public order offences.^[60]

TheCathaoirleach,Jerry Buttimer, called for a "sterile area" around Leinster House to avoid future disruptions to politicians movement in and out of Leinster House and said that the protest was an attack on democracy by a "group of thugs". TheCeann Comhairle,Seán Ó Fearghaíl, said he had been contacted by politicians and staff concerning other approaches the staff had faced and expressed concern over an escalation to the level ofJanuary 6 U.S. Capitol attack or themurder of Jo Cox and themurder of David Amess in the UK. He said that he thinks a "safe zone" might be necessary.^[61]Paschal Donohoe, theMinister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, said he hoped that such "very disturbing" incidents "continue to be rare" and that it does not dissuade people from becoming politicians. TheTáiniste,Micheál Martin called the protesters' behavior as "fascist-like" and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that threats are being made to politicians by people who have previous criminal convictions.^[61] The executive director of theIrish Council for Civil Liberties, Liam Herrick, toldMorning Ireland that the protests crossed the line to consider itincitement to violence, mentioning that "missiles were thrown at Michael Healy-Rae and other people."^[61]

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.^[64]

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.^[65]

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 inClondalkin.^[66]

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. TheGarda 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.^[67]

On 6 November 2022, protests and a meeting in a localGAA club were held by a group of locals ofKill, County Kildare over an equestrian centre earmarked for development as a transitional shelter for 350 refugees.^[68] It had been sold in 2017 after a major flood in 2011, being identified as afloodplain.^[69]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.^[68] 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 8 p.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.^[70] On the morning of Sunday 20 November 2022, a protest atLeinster House and an organisedmotorcade protest of between 100 and 200 vehicles from Kill toNaas and back was held by Kill locals.^[70][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 theKill Residents Action Group toldKildareNow 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.^[71]

On 12 January 2023, a formerdissident Republican who previously spent 18 months in prison for membership of an organisation calling itself theIRA was arrested after he threatened to burn down a hotel inAthy, County Kildare, housing 40 refugees.^[72]The Irish Times named the man as Stephen O'Rourke and stated he is now a supporter of theNational 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.^[73]

On 3 January 2023, a protest occurred outside Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School in Drimnagh.^[74] Between 23 December and 3 January, Ukrainian refugees stayed in the building while it was empty during theChristmas 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 7 p.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 onpublic 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.^[75][76][77]

On 8 January 2023, there were protests outside aTravelodge 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 theLord Mayor of Dublin,Caroline Conroy, who toldToday 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", mentioningpublic opinion about the suburb which she says seems to have been "destroyed".^[78] Protesters blocked theM50 for about an hour, as well as others blocking Ballymun Road and Santry Avenue withsulkies.^[66] 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, butTheIrish 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]

Local and formercounty footballerPhilly McMahon called the protests "disappointing" and theMinister for Housing,Darragh O'Brien toldRTÉ News that protesters have aright to protest but "do not have a right to intimidate people".^[79] TheMinister for Justice also described the protests as intimidation and a spokesperson for the DCEDIY condemned the protests as well.^[78][80]Lucky Khambule, the co-founder of theMovement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland, toldMorning Ireland that witnesses were "scared" and reported that children 12–13 years old were involved in the protest.^[81]

On 20 January 2023, a group of men arrived at a migrant camp of 15 tents on the banks of theTolka River in Ashtown, Dublin. They brought with them four dogs, including aGerman Shepherd and apit bull terrier, and they shouted at the migrants to "pack up and get out now".^[82] One was armed with a baseball bat, which witnesses allege was used to attack aPolish man who had been staying there since 2022. Kitty Holland, a journalist forThe Irish Times alleges to have witnesses the attack.^[83] The man told the paper that his arm had beenx-rayed and that "everything is okay".^[84] The migrants since abandoned the camp.^[85] The other migrants are fromCroatia,Hungary,Portugal,India andScotland.^[86]

Ten days after the alleged attack, around 200 local residents, trade union members and activists held a protest outsideAshtown railway station. Former TDRuth 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".^[87] Leo Varadkar also said it "has the feel and look of essentially a racist attack".^[88] People withIndian andSudanese 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 groupDublin 15/7 who are against gender-related violence, alleged that the rationale for the attack was that rumours were spread that the migrants wereviolent against women.^[11]

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.^[89] The protest was accompanied by theGarda Public Order Unit in riot gear, who also closed 1 km of the street.^[90] Subsequently, one of the protesters, Graham Carey, was arrested by armed members of theSpecial 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.^[91] Carey has been described as a local far-right activist who was previously involved inanti-vaccine and anti-lockdown protests.^[92] 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 acash-in-transit van with his brother Alan Bradley.^[16]

The attacks were motivated by allegations thatblack 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 withincitement to hatred.^[93] He was barred from social media, ordered to stay away from centres and locations housing refugees and was subject to a curfew.^[94]

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 inBallybrack was among them, which can accommodate 140 people.^[95] Minister of StateOssian 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 ofPeople 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 forSocial Democrats TDRóisín Shortall its lack of consultation with residents and the "business community" about the new arrivals.^[96]

At around 11:30 p.m. on 17 July, a sizable rock was thrown through the front room of the family home of Hugh Lewis, an independent councillor inDún 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 4 a.m. that night but said he would not move out and "give in" to the attacker(s). Hugh Lewis toldToday 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.^[95] The attack was condemned by the county council'sCathaoirleach 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".^[97] 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".^[98]

A separate incident was attended to by Gardaí in Ballyback village that begun at 2 p.m. that day where anti-immigration protesters smashed ground-floor windows of the building known as Ridge Hall on the Shanganagh Road.^{[99][100][101][102]} It is a formerGP surgery with apartments above it that rumours on social media claimed would have 60 "unvetted" male asylum seekers moving into it.^[95] 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, aDún Laoghaire TD forFine Gael, said in aTweet 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 theDepartment of Housing, Local Government and Heritage about the refurbishment programme.^[99] 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".^[95]

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 playedIrish rebel music bandThe 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 "useFacebook 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".^[95]

Dublin Fire Brigade was alerted to a fire at Ridge Hall at 8:23 p.m. and three fire brigade units were dispatched. The fire was extinguished at 10 p.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.^[102]

This section is an excerpt from2023 Dublin riot.[edit]

On the evening of 23 November 2023, ariot took place inDublin, Ireland, and involved multiple incidents of vandalism, arson, and looting in the city centre as well as assaults onGardaí (Irish police) and members of the public.^[103] Gardaí described the riot as the most violent in modern Dublin history, far surpassing the2006 riots.^[104] Initial estimates byDublin City Council suggested that the damage could cost up to €20 million,^[105] while then-Taoiseach,Leo Varadkar, stated that it could cost "tens of millions".^[106]

The riot was triggered by a manstabbing three young children and a care assistant at around 1:30 p.m.GMT that day outside aprimary school inParnell 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.^[107] At a later point, the suspect was identified as Riad Bouchaker, originally fromAlgeria; he has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and assault and will face trial at theCentral Criminal Court. The five-year-old girl was discharged from hospital in August 2024.

By 5 p.m., a crowd of 100 to 200anti-immigrant demonstrators had gathered at Parnell Square. The unrest began at around 6 p.m. when demonstrators began throwing fireworks, flares and bottles at the Gardaí who were maintaininga cordon around the crime scene. Shortly before 7 p.m., a nearby Garda car was set on fire.^[108][103] Rioting progressed to the adjacentO'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare, and also spread toCapel Street andParliament Street. At its peak, the rioting crowd was estimated at 500 people.^[109] SeveralDublin Bus vehicles, Garda vehicles and aLuas tram were damaged or destroyed by arson and vandalism, and multiple shops werelooted. In response, around 400 Gardaí were dispatched, including the largest deployment of Gardaíarmed with riot gear in Ireland's history.^[110] Approximately 60 Gardaí were assaulted during the riot, three of whom sustained serious injuries. By 10 p.m., the rioters had been dispersed, with 34 arrests made that evening and further arrests made over subsequent days.^[111][112]

Following the riot, theGarda Commissioner,Drew Harris, blamed the events on a "lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far-right ideology". Other public figures criticised policing in Dublin city and called for the resignations of Harris and theMinister for Justice,Helen McEntee. The minister subsequently survived avote of no confidence inDáil Éireann. The government implemented additional riot-prevention measures after the incident, borrowingwater cannons from thePolice Service of Northern Ireland, passing new laws enabling the use ofpolice body cameras, and announcing plans to expand the use of hand-heldvideo cameras,tasers, andpepper spray.^[113]

In December 2023, a protest was held inRingsend amid false claims that the former Shipwright pub in Thorncastle Street would be used to house asylum seekers.^[114][115] A spokesman from theDepartment of Integration said that they had no plans to house asylum seekers in the premises.^[115]

Around 2 am on 31 December, a fire broke out in the pub, requiring six fire engines and thirty firefighters to bring it under control.^[115] Nobody was killed or injured in the fire.^[115] Gardaí are treating the fire as suspectedarson.^[115]

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."^[115] Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said that if it was a deliberate act "he perpetrators will be brought to justice".^[115] 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."^[115]

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."^[115]

Archbishop of DublinDermot Farrell said that political and church leaders should counter significant misinformation about asylum seekers and migrants in Ireland.^[116] He said that the majority of migrants arrive lawfully and "provide vital input" into public services.^[116] He said a "rhetoric of polarisation is unhelpful" and that "racists" and "hate mongers" were trying to "poison the public discourse and politics".

In January 2024, protests organised by Carlow Says No took place inCarlow 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.^[117][118] The building was initially earmarked to house male asylum seekers but it was later announced that it would house families instead.^[119] Protests again took place as the former St Brigid's maternity hospital, also on Dublin Street, was earmarked to house 100 asylum seekers.^[118]

In February 2024, protests were held nearBrittas, 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.^[120][121]

Dublin Fire Brigade was called to the site of the former nursing home at 7 am on 4 February.^[120][121] A senior member of theGarda Síochána has been put in charge of the investigation, based at Tallaght Garda station.^[120][121] A formal investigation of the site is scheduled to begin on 5 February.^[120][121]

A number of well-known far-right figures had commented on the nursing home and protests on social media.^[120]

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".^[120][121] 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."^[120][121]

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she was "appalled" at the attack and that those responsible would be brought to justice.^[120][121]

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."^[121] 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."^[121]

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."^[120][121]

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."^[120] They also condemned any intimidation or violence towards International Protection applicants.^[120]

A protest against using the formerCrown Paint factory inCoolock for housing asylum seekers started in March 2024.^[122] CouncillorDaithí Doolan ofSinn Féin said there was a "criminal element embedded" in the protest.^[122][123] 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 theBritish National Party.^[122][123]

On 15 July 2024, a large fire broke out at the site of the former factory beside the protest.^[124] AJCB digger was destroyed in the fire.^[124] Up to 200 Gardaí were on duty and theGarda 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.^[123] Bricks and petrol bombs were thrown at Gardaí and firefighters and three Garda cars were damaged, including one set on fire.^[123] Workers who were going to renovate the factory site were removed from it.^[123] Gardaí said they were dealing with a "public order incident" and closed the Malahide Road, a major arterial road into the city centre.^[123][125]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.^[125]

TaoiseachSimon Harris described the scenes as "reprehensible", Minister for JusticeHelen McEntee said she was appalled at the "violent scenes and thuggish criminal behaviour" and Garda CommissionerDrew Harris described the scene as unacceptable.^[126]

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.^[127] The next day, over 1,000 people attended a protest at the site.^[128] Later in the evening, disturbances broke out, in which the disused factory was set alight again.^[129] 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.^[130]

Gardaí are also investigating a series of threats made against a journalist at a national newspaper who was covering the disturbances.^[131]

On 20 July 2024 another fire broke out at the former paint factory.^[132] Two units of Dublin Fire Brigade were called, as well as the Garda Public Order Unit and the fire was put out.^[132]

On 22 July 2024 it was reported thatimprovised incendiary devices had been seized the previous Tuesday after searches near the site of the fires.^[133] Former assistant Garda Commissioner Michael O'Sullivan said a section of Gardaí needed new training and to be issued with helmets.^[133] He said that the force had learned nothing since the November 2023 riot in Dublin City centre.^[133] 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.^[133]

On 21 May 2024 an arson attack occurred on an empty building on High Street in Tallaght.^[134] The building was due to house asylum seekers.^[134] An 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with the arson attack in court.^[135] He was charged with criminal damage of the building on 21 May 2024 and bail was denied.^[135]

A second arson attack on the building occurred in the early hours of 29 May 2024.^[136]

On 26 April 2025, a "National Protest" march was held from the Garden of Remembrance to the Custom House. In addition to its central anti-immigration message, the demonstration had been convened to mark the 1916 Easter Rising.^[137] It had been called and organised byMalachy Steenson. According to theSunday World, over 10,000 people participated in the anti-immigration march.^[138] The protest was endorsed by Conor McGregor, who posted a video promoting the march on social media.^[137] The protest was notable for the large numbers of Irish tricolour flags carried by marchers, which had largely been supplied by Irish actor Andy Quirke.^[139] At the Custom House, speeches were given by independent councillors Gavin Pepper,Philip Sutcliffe and Malachy Steenson, and National Party councillor Patrick Quinlan.^[140] Taoiseach Micheál Martin subsequently denounced the demonstration, describing it as a display of "narrow nationalism".^[141]

On the evening of 21 October 2025, a riot took place outside the Citywest IPAS Centre, a hotel inSaggart, Dublin which was housing asylum seekers.^[142][143] The riot was triggered by the alleged rape of a 10-year-old Irish girl on the grounds of Citywest IPAS Centre in the early hours of 20 October 2025 by a 26-year-old man.^[144] The alleged offender was reported by Irish media to be an African national^[145] and had appeared before the Blanchardstown District Court charged with the sexual assault on the girl earlier in the day on 21 October 2025.^[146][147]

By the evening of 21 October 2025, up to 2000 anti-immigration demonstrators gathered at the hotel before it quickly descended into unrest at around 7:30 p.m. when demonstrators began throwing fireworks, flares, rocks and bottles at the Gardaí who were maintaininga cordon around the hotel.^[144][148] Gardaí said protesters then attempted to breach the police cordon by charging the line with horse-drawnsulkies.^[147][149] A Garda police vehicle was also set on fire and helicopter pilots were targeted by laser-wielding demonstrators.^[150][151] Six people were arrested and one police officer was left injured after a riot.^[152][149]

On the night of 31 October 2025 an IPAS centre in Drogheda was set on fire.^[153][154] Gardaí confirmed that the fire was deliberate and that there was an investigation in progress.^[153] Fireworks were thrown into the building and the base of the stairs was set on fire using an accellerant.^[153][154] Four children were rescued from the top floor of the building along with an adult.^[153][154] Several people were brought toOur Lady of Lourdes Hospital, though none had serious injuries.^[153] 28 people were living in the centre the night of the blaze.^[153]

The Gardaí said, "Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations by An Garda Síochána to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown. An Garda Síochána has commenced an investigation into the attempted Arson of this residential property. This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time."^[153]

CCTV footage showed the stairs in the hall being set alight.^[154]

Colm Brophy called for a security review of all IPAS centres.^[154]

One resident of the centre has said her children are lucky to be alive.^[154]

The Gardaí said: "Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations by An Garda Síochána to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown. This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time.".^[154] Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who were in the Georges Street area of Drogheda between 7:30pm and 8:20pm on 31 October 2025 to contact them.^[154]

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 inFermoy, County Cork.^[7] Smaller protests on 26 November were instigated byDerek Blighe of Ireland First (aTelegram 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][155] He claims that the 62 to 70 Ukrainians were not from Ukraine and that the Russo-Ukrainian Waris not a war.^[155][156] Concerns were again raised that there were only single men refugees, but all men were part of a family group.^[7][157]

In response to this, up to 300 people from Fermoy held a counter-demonstration,'Rally against Racism', organised byFermoy and Mallow Against Racism with music and banners to show support for the refugees and to discredit the first protest.^{[158][159][157]} At the demonstration, local musician Mo O'Connor performed his own composition,Homeland, aboutMexicans who had migrated to the United States,^[157] 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 beenderelict for 50 years^[7] and refugees are also staying at the old Grand Hotel and in a separate church property as well.^[157]

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 6 p.m. and have instigated an investigation.^[160]

On 25 January 2023, after the construction ofmodular homes for Ukrainian refugees inMallow, 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 ofCork County Council said onC103 that there were test operations at the site, which he said theOffice 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.^[161]

Protests against the conversion of a vacant hotel into a direct provision centre inLismore,County Waterford occurred on 31 January 2023. Three hundred people protested in the street in front of theLismore 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 aheritage 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 TDMarc 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 aSyrian refugee family into the area.^[162][163]

At 6:40 p.m. on 15 May 2023, tractors and cars moved into a blockade at the entrance to Magowna House inInch, County Clare to protest a coach carrying about 33 maleInternational Protection (IP) applicants to be housed in holiday homes there.^[164][165] 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.^[166][167] There was also an alleged incident where protesters boarded the coach and did a headcount of the refugees. Eimear O'Connor of theHealth Service Executive-funded Clare Immigration Support Centre recounted toTheJournal.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.^[168][169] 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."^[169]

Lucky Khambule, the co-founder of theMovement 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.^[165]

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.^[170] 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 afire cert.^[171] While protests continued as usual after the meeting, after whatJoe O'Brien, aDCEDIY Minister of State had what he described as an "honest, open discussion" with 100 local residents inKilmaley on 20 May, the protests ceased at the entrance itself and protesters said they would continue protesting peacefully at road access points.^[172] 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."^[173]

Philip Dwyer attended the protest as acitizen journalist, where he shouted at people, some of them refugees. He also "verbally abused" other journalists according to theIrish Examiner.^[174]

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.^[167] 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."^[175] Some IP applicants were uncomfortable with the remoteness of the area as well as the protests during which seven left the accommodation overnight.^{[164][169][170]}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.^[166]

In early November 2023, the DCEDIY announced they were using the site of the former Great Southern Hotel in the village ofRosslare Harbour inCounty Wexford, which was earmarked to become a ninety-bed nursing home, to house 400 international protection applicants.^[176] 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".^[177] 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)^[177] and an international protection accommodation centre.

A meeting of over 800 locals was held in St Mary's GAA Club in nearbyTagoat to voice concerns about overpopulation in the area that locals have described as being at "saturation point". Bernie Mullen, titled onSouth 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.^[178] 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 withRoderic O'Gorman (theminister 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 theRosslare Europort. O'Gorman told locals at the second meeting that his department "will not and cannot walk away" from the development.^[179] 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 1 p.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 itsplanning permission and has since referred various planning issues toAn Bord Pleanála. Wexford TDVerona Murphy toldRTÉ 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.^[176] 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]

On 2 February 2023, approximately 300 people protested against the use ofColumb Barracks inMullingar,County Westmeath by asylum seekers.^[180] 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.^[180] 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."^[180]

On 24 March 2023, protesters blocked the entrance to Columb Barracks, stopping a bus carrying asylum seekers from entering the barracks around 1 p.m.^[181] A number of Garda units attended the scene in the evening and remained into the early hours of the following morning.^[181] Around 9 p.m. on 24 March a number of protesters blocked the entrance to the barracks again.^[181] A Garda was assaulted around this time, but he didn't require medical treatment.^[181] A man was arrested for public order offences shortly after midnight on 25 March.^[181] He was later released and a file prepared for theDirector of Public Prosecutions.^[181]

Gardaí said the protest dispersed shortly after 1:30 a.m.^[181]

On 27 March,Simon Harris described the attempt to stop asylum seekers entering the barracks was an "effort to intimidate".^[182] Supporters of migrants reported feeling intimidated.^[183] 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.^[183]

On 18 February 2023, around 60 people demonstrated inCootehill against what they called the government's housing of "illegal immigrants on an industrial scale".^[184] 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 activistRuairí McKiernan and migrant rights group Doras.^[185][186]

On 24 November 2023, protests and illegal roadblocks were set up inDromahair,County Leitrim, following rumours that buses carrying refugees would arrive from Citywest in Dublin.^[187] 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.^[188]

In mid-December 2023, theDCEDIY announced that it planned to use the Ross Lake House Hotel inRosscahill,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.^[189][190]

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".^[191] MinisterRoderic O'Gorman described the fire as "deeply disturbing". TaoiseachLeo Varadkar condemned the incident and said "there is no justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Ever".^[192] Four people in their 40s and 50s were arrested on 28 March 2024.^[193]

Former Irish Freedom Party candidate in Galway Doran McMahon organised a protest in Galway city centre in August 2025, which drew 150 people including supporters of the IFP, National Party, Dia le hÉireann, and Sinne na Daoine.^[194]

John O'Dowd contactedJon Boutcher, urging the removal of anti-immigration posters inRathcoole (Newtownabbey). While thePolice Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) initially said theDepartment 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.^[195]

The government's failure to find accommodation for asylum seekers has been criticised by theIrish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the latter saying that Ireland was in breach of their international obligations, specifically referring to anEU 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".^[196]

ThePolicing Authority condemned unlawful escalations at the protests and applauded the Gardaí's balancing of the safeguarding of people and theright 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.^[197]

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 fromSimon Harris's meeting withDrew Harris (theGarda 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.^[198] 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.^[199] Cunningham said toMorning 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 abreach of the peace on top of her concerns of the frontline being grossly untrained.^[200] She requested that there be training relating to thePublic Order Act and theIncitement to Hatred Act for the "spontaneous protests that can arise with very little notice" that Gardaí have less time to plan for.

TheTánaiste,Micheál Martin, said that the commissioner was "confident" that Gardaí had the capacity to deal with anti-refugee protests butGreen Party TDPatrick Costello called for the commissioner to appear at theOireachtas Justice Committee on the recent attacks on migrants and migrant centres. Supporters of better management of protests include theImmigrant Council of Ireland, theMovement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland and Green Party TDNeasa Hourigan.^[201]

The phrase "Ireland is full" is a slogan that has trended onTwitter (as thehashtag "#IrelandIsFull") prior to these protests.^[7] It purports to suggest that Ireland does not have any more accommodation or support for additional asylum seekers.

Nativist slogans like "Ireland for the Irish" and "Ireland belongs to the Irish" have been used by parties like the National Party.^[202]

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.^{[203][204][205]}

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 HousingDarragh 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, PresidentMichael 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".^[206]

Joe O'Brien, aMinister of State at the DCEDIY told the lower house Dáil Éireann on 30 May 2023 that theDepartment 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.^[96][207] In the meantime,Social Democrats leaderHolly Cairns TD described the cabinet as being "at war" on the issue, with the government's response being "chaotic", criticising the lack of information.

On 29 January 2023,RED C/TheBusiness Post published polling that included a number of questions relating to immigration:^[208]

On February 5, Ireland Thinks/theSunday Independent published polling that included a number of questions relating to immigration:^[209]

In May 2023, Red C/TheBusiness 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 ofSinn Féin supporters it was 83%,Fianna Fáil it was 74% andFine Gael at 70%. For supporters of independents it was 88%.^[210]

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.^[211]

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", andopposition to racism.^[212] Attendees at the Dublin rally included members and supporters ofSinn Féin, theSocial Democrats, theLabour Party andPeople Before Profit-Solidarity. Other organisations present included various trade unions such asFórsa,SIPTU and theTeachers' Union of Ireland; theMovement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland,Pavee Point and theNational Women's Council of Ireland. Marchers were still passing theGPO as the front of the march reachedCustom House Quay. When the march arrived at the Customs House,Christy Moore spoke and performed, andBernadette 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 tofascism."^[213][214]

• Joint committee debate on the "Refugee Accommodation Crisis" on 22 November 2022
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