Hundreds attend Dún Laoghaire rally in support of asylum seekers

Hundreds attend Dún Laoghaire rally in support of asylum seekers

Hundreds of people have marched at a rally in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, in support of asylum seekers.

The rally follows a series of protests directed against people seeking asylum being accmmodated in Dún Laoghaire and Ballybrack in Dublin.

It was organised by a newly established group, Dún Laoghaire Welcomes, and was supported by trade unions, the IADT students’ union, community groups and political parties.

Musicians and singers were also in attendance, including Christy Moore.

Before the march began there was a poignant minute’s silence as a mark of respect to singer Sinéad O’Connor, who is originally from the area.

This was followed by a sustained round of applause by the large crowd to mark her role as a “fearless trailblazer”.

Hundreds then walked from The People’s Park, along the seafront, up Marine Road and down the main George’s Street.

Then they turned back into the park, chanting “say it loud and say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.

The rally also follows an incident in Ballincollig in Cork in which an attempt was made to set fire to part of a former gaelscoil where refurbishment work is being carried out to house Ukrainian refugees.