Anti-asylum seeker protests in Drimnagh, Dublin are ‘stirring up fear and hate in the community’, a local councillor has said. 

Over the Christmas holiday, a secondary school in the area offered the premises to 30 asylum seekers

All had left by the time the school resumed teaching this week but social media users were told that “bus loads of men were being shipped into the area” and protests were organised. 

The demonstrations took place outside the school on Wednesday evening and again on Thursday morning - while children were arriving for class. 

Hazel de Nortúin is a People Before Profit representative for Ballyfermot and Drimnagh on Dublin City Council and says that many of the protesters have a sinister agenda. 

“Unfortunately, people had jumped onto it as well to stir up hate that has been circulating in other areas,” Cllr de Nortúin told Lunchtime Live.  

“[They] came over to the area and were mixing with those who had genuine concerns within the community . 

“I would say, myself, this would be my own opinion, are stirring up a bit of fear and hate within the community. 

“And that has spilled over.” 

Communication

Ms de Nortúin added that some people are just upset by the lack of communication from the school and want this addressed. 

“I think what the parents are asking for is communication from the principal himself,” she added. 

“I know there were a few heated words on the protest last night but I do think there’s genuine communication that people want to have with the principal and the board around what has happened, who was staying there and is it going to be used further.” 

The school has been contacted for comment.

Main image: Garda National Immigration Bureau. Image: Rodrigo Bellizzi / Alamy