A group of trade unions, student unions and political groups will take part in a rally in support of asylum seekers in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, today. 

Beginning at 1pm at People’s Park, the rally asks people to “say no to hate and fear” and “yes to respect and humanity”. 

The gathering follows a series of anti-migrant protests in South County Dublin and a rock thrown at the window of Ballybrack Councillor Hugh Lewis’ childhood home. 

Participating groups include Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Fórsa. 

'Unfairly targeted'

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said the rally will show refugees they are welcome in Ireland. 

“People have moved here into the area and have – in our opinion - been unfairly targeted with a campaign of unnecessary fears,” he said.  

“Particularly by a small group of fire rights activists who seem to be hell bent on encouraging division and fear. 

“We want to counter that by showing solidarity and addressing the misinformation and fear that they're trying to spread in the community.” 

'Poison'

Unions and political groups previously held a rally at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council offices in support of asylum seekers. 

Deputy Boyd Barrett told the gathering people have a right to be frustrated by the cost-of-living protest, but people shouldn’t blame asylum seekers. 

"This poison will weaken and divide us,” he said.