Seeking a solution to Ireland's asylum issue

People fear they'll be branded as racist | East Wall locals 'struggle to see GP'

- DANNY DE VAAL

IT'S the political issue that has divided the nation so far in 2023 - anti-refugee protests, as Ireland opened its doors to record numbers seeking protection.

Demonstrations were held at accommodation sites across the country, from tight-knit rural communities in the west of Ireland to the inner city streets of the capital.

The vast majority of residents had serious, genuine concerns - such as increased pressure on already overstretched facilities like housing or health or the overnight arrival of undocumented men.

They stressed they should not be conflated with the ugly, extreme end, such as the shocking burning of tents of asylum seekers in Dublin city centre in May. So as we pass the halfway point of the year, where does the row over refugee accommodation stand? Have we progressed?

Since the end of last year and kicking off in the new year - the unprecedented number of asylum seekers arriving here has caused conflict.

Locals felt the lack of prior consultation was underhanded and furthered distrust.

Within days of their arrival, people took to the streets. In areas where locals heard of the buildings earmarked for asylum seekers, sitdown protests were organised to prevent them moving in.

It was mostly in working-class places, such as Fermoy in Cork, Inch in Clare along with Ballymun, Tallaght, Santry, and East Wall in Dublin.