An estimated 1,400 people participated in a rally supporting asylum seekers and refugees in South Dublin this afternoon according to a local councillor.

A coalition of locals, trade unions, student unions and political groups gathered at the People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire. 

Participants called for people to say, “no to hate and fear, yes to humanity and fairness”. 

It comes after a series of protests and attacks directed against refugees in Dun Laoghaire and Ballybrack. 

People taking part in the rally supporting asylum seekers in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, 29/07/2023. Image: Leon Farrell/Rollingnew.ie.

Independent Councillor Hugh Lewis, who’s childhood home was vandalised by anti-migrant protestors, said the turnout shows the support asylum seekers have in Ireland. 

“[It was] a wide display from across our community,” he said. “So we're delighted, and we hope people are confident after today to take on some of the lies and false information. 

He estimated 1,400 people gathered in support of asylum seekers in Ireland.

Cllr Lewis said Irish people overall understand the issue of migration “quite well”. 

“We have a huge heritage of emigration in Dun Laoghaire town itself,” he said. 

“It was the last port of call for many an Irish emigrant who left the shores in search of a better life. That was reflected today on the march.” 

People taking part in the rally supporting asylum seekers in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, 29/07/2023. Image: Leon Farrell/Rollingnew.ie.

The South Dublin councillor said more needs to be done by the Government to combat anti-migrant protestors. 

“We’re still waiting on answers from Government,” he said. “The longer we wait for those answers, the more breeding ground the likes of these groups actually have. 

“We very much want to give people clear and truthful information... Once we have [dialogue], people will understand us and support the truth.”