Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed his "deep concern" on Sunday about reports of suspected criminal damage at properties earmarked for accommodating asylum seekers, including a fire at a former hotel in Co Galway overnight.
Gardaí are investigating a case of criminal damage after the blaze at the former Ross Lake House in Rosscahill shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday night.
No one was inside the building at the time. However, 70 asylum seekers were due to move into the hotel this week – plans that had been facing some local opposition.
In a social media post, Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman called on politicians to condemn what he called "a disgraceful act and the fear mongering that led to it."
Deeply disturbing news from Galway last night.
Politicians across the board should condemn this disgraceful act and the fear mongering that led to it.https://t.co/DZNz7CzYTI— Roderic O’Gorman TD (@rodericogorman) December 17, 2023
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was “deeply concerned” about recent reports of suspected criminal damage at properties earmarked for accommodating international protection applicants, including in Co Galway on Saturday.
He said: “There is no justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Ever. Garda investigations are under way.
“Even with robust border controls, extra checks at airports, faster processing times and record numbers of refusals, like much of the world we are dealing with a major step-change in the numbers arriving here, seeking protection. This is driven by war, poverty, climate change and human rights abuses in their home countries.”
Mr Varadkar sought to assure people that all asylum seekers are registered, fingerprinted, checked against watch lists, and the circumstances surrounding their requests are examined thoroughly.
He added: “The response from many communities has been incredible. We’ve seen people open their homes, schools, clubs and communities to help those most in need.
“The people carrying out these crimes are a very small minority. I believe most people in the country empathise with those fleeing truly terrible circumstances and recognise the benefits that legal migration, in general, brings to Ireland. I hope that as we continue through the winter, we can continue to treat those arriving here with the basic dignity and decency we would want for our own.
“The Government will continue to listen to communities, recognising the effort they are making and helping them as they manage an unprecedented situation together.”
The Minister for Justice said she was “appalled” by the fire, and urged anyone with information about the suspected criminal damage incident to contact gardaí.
Helen McEntee said there is no justification for arson and added: “In recent times, so many communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity to those who come here seeking shelter and protection.
“While people have the right to protest, people do not have the right to cause damage to property, to cause people to fear for their safety or to threaten public order.
“These acts do not represent the values of Irish people.”
'People do not want it'
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Séamus Walsh claimed locals had genuine fears about the plans to house asylum seekers in the area.
"The Government has to look hard at this situation because people's quality of life is being impacted," he told Newstalk radio.
"It is not a suitable location and I do not think the area can sustain it. The amenities are not here, the services are not here and the road network is not here."
"Simply put, the people do not want it."
The chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council said there had been a “clear pattern of arson attacks” on locations where protection applicants were due to be accommodated or actually living.
Nick Henderson said: “We call for a full investigation. Our unswerving solidarity and support is with all people seeking protection and refugees at this fearful time.
“Leadership, local and national, is more important than ever.
“The actions of a small minority will never succeed and we must remember the proud history of welcome that communities across Ireland, including in Galway, have shown over the last 30 years.”
The Department of Integration said it was working to offer shelter to those fleeing war and persecution and condemns any violence or intimidation towards International Protection applicants.
A spokesman said: “All those seeking protection have a right to safety while their application is examined.
“The Department also strongly condemns any alleged attempts to drive division and hostility towards those who come to Ireland seeking asylum. Acts such as these achieve nothing but endanger people’s lives and homes.”
The incident comes after the Department began handing out tents to some new arrivals last week after running out of accommodation.
Mostly peaceful campaigns have grown across the country in recent months as the State tries to accommodate record numbers of refugees in the middle of a housing crisis.
Unprecedented riots also erupted in Dublin last month after a small group of far-right activists attacked gardaí following the stabbing of three young children by a man identified as Algerian born.
