Joint Statement re Abuse directed at Refugees in Ballymun

12th January 2023

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. Men, women and children, be they residents or newcomers, should not fear for their safety in their homes or on our streets.

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 people of Ballymun are generally upset with the ‘protests’, and they fear that the reputation of this welcoming and diverse community is being tarnished.

There are many things we need to fix in our area and in our country, such as housing and homelessness, poverty, social equality, drug treatment services, employment, health services, our environment and community facilities. We do not believe that these issues should be used by some groups to stoke up fear and hate.

As organisations and as individuals we are working and we will continue to work collectively to make our area better, bringing out the best in people and fighting for positive change. We are determined to respond to the ‘protests’, including through meeting with the new residents to welcome and reassure them. 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.

Aishling Project

Axis Niamh Ni Chonchubhair

Axis Patricia Martin

Axis Aifric Ni Ruairc

Ballymun Biodiversity Action Group

Ballymun Child & Family Resource Centre

Ballymun Communications

Ballymun Community Law Centre

Ballymun Health & Fitness Festival

Ballymun Kickhams

Ballymun Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Force

Ballymun Men Shed

Ballymun Regional Youth Resource (Reco)

Ballymun Tidy Towns

Ballymun United

Bohemian Football Club

BBE

CDETB Adult Education Service

Coultry Way – Twiggy

Dean Scurry

DNW Against Racism

Dublin Northwest Area Partnership

Easy Street Team Star Project Ballymun

Gaelscoil Bhailemunna

Glas Community Garden Project

Global Action Plan Ballymun

Holy Spirit Schools

Norah & Josies Kitchen

Our Lady of Victories Schools

Philly McMahon, Bedo7 Fitness Club

Poppintree Youth Project

Ray Corcoran (‘Sparky’) Youth Leader

Rediscovery Centre

Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch

Cumann Báire Setanta

St. Josephs Primary Schools

Supervalu Ballymun

The Sillogue Neighbourhood Centre

The Recovery Road Cycling Club

Trinity Comprehensive School

Virgin Mary Schools

Young Ballymun

Youth Action Project  & URRUS

Youthreach

200th Ballymun Scouts

Dessie Ellis TD, Sinn Féin

Paul McAuliffe TD, Fianna Fáil

Roisin Shortall TD, Social Democrats

Cllr Mary Callaghan, Social Democrats

Cllr Anthony Connaghan, Sinn Féin

Cllr Keith Connolly, Fianna Fáil

Cllr Caroline Conroy, Green Party, Lord Mayor of Dublin

Cllr Briege McOscar, Fianna Fáil

Cllr Noeleen Reilly, Independent

Annie Hoey, Labour Rep

John Nesbitt, Labour Rep

Conor Reddy, People before Profit Rep

Noel Rock, former TD, Fine Gael