Councillor Appeals For Asylum Seeker Welcome After Incidents Of Vandalism In Ballybrack

Wednesday, 19 July 2023 12:16

By Caoimhe Harney

A rock with the message "stop supporting refugees" was thrown through the window

An independent councillor for Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown, whose family home was attacked on Monday evening in Ballybrack, has appealed to people to welcome refugees and asylum seekers and help them integrate rather than protesting and alienating them.

A rock with the message "stop supporting refugees" was thrown through the window of Independent Councillor Hugh Lewis' family home.

Gardaí have confirmed they are investigating the incident, which happened in Ballybrack at around 11.30pm.

Smashed window, Ballybrack.

The incident has been condemned by locals and a number of public representatives including Junior Minister and Dún Laoghaire TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who described the incident, as well as a protest at the Ridge Hall building in the area, as "unacceptable destruction and disruption".

"Vandalism of an empty building in an effort to frighten and intimidate local residents is not the way forward," she said.

It's understood the Ridge Hall building in Ballybrack was targetted by protesters, who believe it will be be re-purposed to house asylum seekers.

Deputy Carroll MacNeill says Gardaí remained at the scene overnight:

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