Public attitudes to immigration are hardening in the Irish Republic as the country sees a significant increase in arrivals. The government, which is facing an election, has said it will begin chartered deportation flights for those denied asylum in the coming months and is freeing up immigration officers from desk work to address the issue.
Asylum applications in Ireland have risen by nearly 300% in 2024 compared to the same period five years ago. A spike in arrivals via the UK has been driven by factors including the UK’s tougher stance post-Brexit and Ireland’s relatively healthy economy.
Tens of thousands of international protection applicants – some already with asylum status in Ireland and others waiting to be processed – have been sent to communities around the country, accommodated in hotels, former schools, apartments and even large tented camps.
There is evidence of growing public concern, with protests in some communities against the housing of asylum seekers locally.
Ireland’s housing shortage means that even those granted asylum are struggling to leave the temporary system as others arrive. Nearly 1,000 people are living in tented accommodation.
Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Fergal Keane.
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