A record number of asylum seekers are likely to arrive in Ireland by the end of this year, if the trend recorded in the first six months continues.

Figures released by the Department of Justice show that up until July 7th 11,052 people applied for asylum in Ireland.

This represents a rise of 87% when compared to the same period of time last year and if arrivals continue on the same trajectory, over 20,000 will apply for asylum here by the end of 2024.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said the Government was warned over a year ago that the number of asylum seekers arriving here was unsustainable. 

“The Government has done an incredible flip in terms of its approach in relation to this,” he said. 

“Any body that raised concerns about this - even 18 months ago - the Government said these people were a threat to the cohesion of the country. 

“Now the Government are following suit [doing] exactly what the likes of ourselves were saying 18 months ago.” 

Since 2022, the Government has spent over €1 billion accommodating asylum seekers. 

Main image: Members of the public pass tents belonging to asylum seekers along the Grand Canal. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie