Anti-racism rally in support of migrants to be held in Dublin

Several organisations are expected to take part in a demonstration in support of migration and diversity on Saturday.

Musicians including Christy Moore and a wide variety of speakers are expected to take part in the anti-racism rally organised by the Ireland For All coalition, which takes its name from local groups set-up to counter anti-migrant protests.

Among the wide variety of groups expected to take part are United Against Racism, MASI, the National Women’s Council of Ireland, TENI and several political parties.

The demonstration will start at Parnell Square and march to the Custom House on Dublin’s quays.

The event is being organised in response to some anti-migrant protests that have been held outside centres housing refugees or asylum seekers in counties including Dublin, Cork and Kildare.

The Irish State is providing accommodation to more than 52,000 Ukrainian people and more than 19,300 asylum seekers – a significant increase in the numbers recorded in previous years.

Hotels, B&Bs and refurbished public buildings are being used to house the international protection applicants, though the government has warned it still faces significant challenges.

In recent months local groups have raised concerns that they had not been consulted before migrants were moved into their community.

Some have also raised concerns about a lack of services to cater for an increased population.

Politicians have argued that a lack of engagement from authorities in some cases has left a vacuum for misinformation to grow and false rumours to spread, sometimes by members of the far-right.

The government has said that the scale of the crisis hasn’t allowed for time to consult with communities; Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that efforts will be made to improve communications.

Earlier this month, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said he believed Ireland is in “a very dangerous situation” in relation to the far-right and the spread of “very racist, divisive, hateful ideas”.

“I think we are on a trajectory for someone being very seriously injured or killed,” he warned.