Tomás Ó Flatharta

Anto-Racists in Dún Laoghaire are organizing. Thanks to Gregor Kerr for the information.

The people of Dún Laoghaire and the surrounding communities have a long history and tradition of being open and welcoming to everyone. The history and heritage of our town is largely a story of emigration. Our harbour was the last sight for many of our family members who left our shore as economic migrants in search of a better life.

Unfortunately, recently, attempts are being made by some people – some of whom are from outside our communities – to stir up fear and hate against a number of people seeking asylum who have recently been accommodated in Dún Laoghaire. The picketing and protests at the centre on Eblana Avenue are deeply offensive and totally unacceptable. They fundamentally target the wrong people and will achieve nothing for the Irish homeless or anyone else. They must stop and we appeal to people not to support these protests.

Whether we were born in Ireland, moved here for work, or came here seeking refuge, everyone just wants to live a safe and decent life. This is just as true of the people seeking asylum recently arrived in our community as of anyone else.
In recent years many of us have worked on campaigns to get affordable homes for all, for decent jobs and against attacks on our living standards, such as the cost of living crisis. We must continue this struggle and build a united campaign to actually address the housing crisis and build the homes so desperately needed..

We believe that everyone should have decent housing, that there should be increased funding for sports clubs, better bus services, education, health care, more youth clubs and all the things we need to build and sustain strong, diverse communities where everyone is treated equally.

We welcome the initiatives that local communities are taking in reaching out to our new residents. We’re delighted to see invitations extended asking them to become part of our local clubs and community activities. It’s clear that we should all work together to improve our community.

We reject fear mongering and scapegoating and, again, we call on the people of Dún Laoghaire not to support protests that unfairly target people seeking asylum. We need to build strong community campaigns that take on the government. This is the way we can end homelessness, not by targeting those sleeping in overcrowded bunk bed conditions and on an allowance of €38.50 per week.

Communities thrive on the inclusion and involvement of everyone. We grow and develop by embracing change, working together, and looking out for one another.

Supported by: People Before Profit, Sinn Fein, Social Democrats, Cllr Hugh Lewis (Independent) Monkstown Boxing Club, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Fórsa, Dún Laoghaire CATU, Christy Moore, Southside Travellers Action Group, National Women’s Council, LBS Mens Shed, Gregor Kerr (Local Resident and Primary School Teacher), Christy Maginn Local Resident and Secondary School Teacher), Cormac Ryan (Local Resident and activist)