Ireland’s View on Immigration a Year After Dublin Riots

It’s been a year since the riots shook Dublin, and the question on everyone’s mind is – have Ireland’s views on immigration changed? The riots were sparked by a stabbing incident outside a primary school, which led to a night of chaos, with public transport set on fire, shops looted, and dozens arrested. Since then, misinformation on social media has fueled negative sentiments towards asylum seekers, with accommodation centers being attacked and the government struggling to cope with the issue.

Despite the growing concerns, immigration hasn’t become a top priority in the upcoming Irish general election, with housing and healthcare remaining the main focus areas. However, for the first time, immigration is being considered as a key issue. The average house price has increased by 10.8% since the previous property boom, and the average rent is now €1,955 per month, 43% higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. The influx of immigrants, with almost 150,000 people arriving in the 12 months to April, has put a strain on the housing market.

The Irish government has faced criticism for not providing adequate accommodation for asylum seekers, with a makeshift tent city springing up in Dublin. The government has admitted that it cannot provide accommodation for all those arriving in Ireland. The situation has been exacerbated by rumors and misinformation on social media, falsely accusing asylum seekers of crimes or falsifying their refugee status