Gráinne Glynn considers the pernicious growth in support for far-right ideology in Ireland, and its implications for our political culture.
Over the past few years, Ireland has seen a major rise in anti-immigrant protests, many of which have escalated into violent confrontations. This issue has emerged at a time where Ireland is currently struggling with a housing crisis, economic pressures, and an increasing intake of refugees. Far-right organisations have fueled public unrest with xenophobia and misinformation, taking advantage of these tensions. This is most visible in Dublin, where the protests have grown larger, more violent, and created an atmosphere of fear and unrest.
In 2022, there were 300 recorded anti-immigration protests in Dublin alone, according to Assistant Gardai Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, Justin Kelly.
Since 2022, the development of temporary shelters for asylum seekers by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth all over Ireland, as well as rising unhappiness among Irish citizens who are struggling with housing issues, the far-right has been quick to exploit these circumstances. Asylum seeker shelters have become a key feature of far-right protests, with demonstrators claiming that the government is prioritising immigrants over Irish citizens in terms of housing and welfare support. While at the start the protests were small, they have grown significantly in size and violence. In 2022, there were 300 recorded anti-immigration protests in Dublin alone, according to Assistant Gardai Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, Justin Kelly.
By 2023, that number had more than doubled to 617, showing the sharp rise in far-right mobilisation. One far-right political organisation, the Irish Freedom Party, has taken advantage of this anti-refugee sentiment, and is promoting the idea that immigrants are to blame for Ireland’s housing crisis and other social problems. John Mooney, crime editor for the Irish Sunday Times, has seen how the far-right is “feeding into concerns about the immigration system in Ireland, (and) the impact that large numbers of migrants are having on Irish society, which is putting stress on the housing sector so they are capitalising on this issue”. This fear fanning exploits both economic and cultural insecurities, creating a mix of fear and resentment towards immigrants and refugees.
Currently, far-right representation in the Dáil is around 0.5% of seats in the State. There is no hiding the increasing tensions in Ireland as the housing crisis grows worse. Unemployment in Ireland is at a historic all time low at around 4%.
The main talking point for far-right groups in Ireland has been about the intake of refugees and asylum seekers. These groups have managed to gain attention through social media platforms, where misinformation and conspiracy theories about immigration are spreading at an alarming rate. False claims about immigrants being criminals, ‘welfare abusers’, or part of a broader unknown agenda have taken hold, fueling the anger and fear that drive these protests.
The spreading of misinformation was a significant contributing factor to the amplification of these events. False narratives regarding immigrants, such as the idea that they are stealing employment from Irish citizens, burdening public services, or committing crimes, have been successfully circulated by far-right organisations online. Far-right groups and influencers contributed to them by organising protests and inciting violence using various messaging apps, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). The so-called "replacement theory," which believes that immigrants are being purposefully introduced into Ireland to "replace" the native population, is one of the most deadly myths circulating among far-right groups. This theory has gained significant traction, stoking fear that Irish culture and identity are under threat.
Such disinformation campaigns have also contributed to the radicalisation of individuals, encouraging them to take extreme actions. Protests that begin as demonstrations against housing shortages or government policies quickly turn into violent confrontations, with protesters targeting refugee centres, immigrant-owned businesses, and Gardaí. The spread of rumours and doctored images about crimes supposedly committed by immigrants has also inflamed tensions, leading to further unrest.
The far-right are prying on the public’s concerns of immigration into Ireland, and the government is not paying attention. They are using the mixture of economic and cultural insecurities in the community and blaming migrants and refugees. Instead, economic issues are conflated with far-right objectives, complicating efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue or develop solutions.
The summer of 2024 saw a significant escalation in the anti-immigration protests, resulting in some of the most violent incidents in recent Irish history. In March, protests began in Coolock, Dublin, against the use of the former Crown Paint factory as a temporary shelter for refugees. Tensions grew for months and on July 15, the situation exploded when a large fire broke out at the site. The blaze was the result of deliberate arson, a shocking act that underscored the growing hostility of the far-right protesters. The violence did not end there. Anti-immigration demonstrators clashed with Gardaí, resulting in a JCB digger, a Garda car, and several buses being set on fire. Over 200 Gardaí were deployed to contain the situation, and 21 people were arrested and charged with public order offences. This incident represented a clear escalation of far-right tactics, moving from verbal and online aggression to full-scale rioting and destruction of property.
Most significantly in Dublin in November 2023, a protest in Dublin quickly turned into a violent riot. Far-right demonstrators vandalised businesses, set fires, and looted shops, causing widespread chaos. This riot has been described as one of the most violent in Dublin’s history, even surpassing the infamous 2006 riots that erupted over a unionist demonstration. These increasingly aggressive protests have made it clear that the far-right is willing to use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals, putting immigrant communities and public safety at risk. These protests are identified by aggressive speech and violent altercations, frequently involving the destruction of homes and businesses owned by immigrants. Counter-protests have also occurred as the far-right demonstrations have increased in size and violence. These demonstrations are organised by groups opposed to far-right ideologies, including anti-racism organisations advocating for inclusivity and tolerance. The counter-protests demonstrate that there is still significant support for immigrants and refugees in Ireland. However, the growth of the far-right should not be underestimated, with their demonstrations often outnumbering the counter-protesters.
The organised counter-protests are not without challenges; Pro-immigration and far-right protesters have frequently clashed violently, accusing one another of inciting altercations. Although maintaining order has been the Gardaí's responsibility, the size and regularity of the protests have made this more challenging. Far-right protesters have inflicted injuries on Gardaí, immigrants, and counter-protestors alike by using aggressive tactics such throwing bricks, petrol bombs, and starting fires.
It is impossible to emphasise the psychological toll that this takes on immigrant communities and refugees. Many came to Ireland seeking safety and a better life, only to be met with hostility and aggression.
Irish society, especially immigrant communities, has been significantly impacted by the far-right anti-immigration demonstrations. At the moment, a large number of immigrants and refugees are afraid of discrimination, harassment, and violence. Refugee accommodation centres have become scenes for protests, with residents reporting feeling unsafe and unwelcome. There have been instances of physical attacks against immigrants in public areas, frequently by those who have been encouraged by far-right rhetoric. It is impossible to emphasise the psychological toll that this takes on immigrant communities and refugees. Many came to Ireland seeking safety and a better life, only to be met with hostility and aggression. The rise in violence has created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, making it difficult for immigrant communities to integrate into Irish society. This has also deepened divisions within Irish communities, with some citizens sympathising with the far-right’s grievances, while others reject their xenophobic and racist ideologies.
The far-right’s exploitation of the housing crisis and economic anxieties has also made it harder for Ireland to address the root causes of these issues. Instead of focusing on solutions to the housing shortage or improving social services, public debate has been hijacked by extremist ideologies, which blame immigrants for the country’s problems. This has further polarised Irish society, making it more difficult for the Government to enact meaningful reforms.The rise of far-right, anti-immigration protests in Dublin and across Ireland represents a significant challenge to the nation’s values of inclusion, tolerance, and human rights. While the housing crisis and economic pressures are real concerns, the far-right’s manipulation of these issues to spread hate and violence threatens to tear the social fabric of Ireland apart.
The rise of anti-immigration far-right protests in Dublin and across Ireland is a symptom of broader societal challenges that need urgent attention. The housing crisis, economic insecurity, and the spread of disinformation have created space for extremism to take root. By tackling the housing crisis, countering disinformation, promoting integration, and ensuring effective law enforcement, Ireland can reduce the appeal of far-right extremism and prevent further violence.
At its core, Ireland is a nation with a long history of welcoming those in need, from the Irish diaspora scattered across the globe to more recent arrivals fleeing conflict and persecution. While the current wave of far-right protests challenges these values, it is important to remember that the majority of Irish people still support a diverse and inclusive society. With the right policies and leadership, Ireland can navigate this difficult moment and emerge stronger, more united, and more resilient.