Culture
16 Jan 23

Ballymun politicians denounce anti-refugee rallies

SAM BOAL / ROLLINGNEWS.IE.

"We are determined to respond to the ‘protests’, including through meeting with the new residents to welcome and reassure them," a document, responding to the various orchestrated mob gatherings against refugees coming to Ireland, states.

A number of Ballymun-based public figures and locals – as well as the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy – have signed a statement criticising the discrimination refugees in Ireland are being subjected to, in a series of intimidating gatherings organised by racist groups.

Aggressive far-right 'rallies' have been taking place outside hotels accommodating asylum seekers and refugees, who are clearly in critical need of shelter due to global socio-political turmoil. Almost 100 protestors attended the most recent rally on January 12th, shouting aggressive, racist statements at men, women and children looking out the windows.

An attempt is made to create the impression that these are essentially local 'community' protests. However, the same group of extreme right-wing propagandists are involved in multiple mob gatherings.

Numerous members of the Ballymun community have now signed a statement called #BallymunForAll.

“We stand in solidarity with the vast majority of the people of Ballymun in opposing the abuse and hatred directed at refugees and asylum seekers in Ballymun over the last few days," the post states.

“We know that only a small minority of people from the area are taking part, and the abuse is orchestrated by far-right groups."

The statement also expands beyond just the housing accommodation crisis and addresses the various issues that are currently of wider concern across the country, including health services, rising poverty, social equality, environmental issues, the need for drug treatment services, classism in education access – and more.

These State-led issues should not be used in order to strike fear and more hatred, the statement urges. As a community, Ballymun has often been marginalised and left behind by the State, with residents forced to endure poverty.

“We are redoubling our efforts in our schools and businesses, and in our youth, community and sports groups, and as public representatives, to promote integration.”