“Extremely disturbing” - Arson attack on Ballincollig building earmarked for refugee accommodation

Olivia Teahan, Policy & Communications Manager of Nasc: 

“Following an announcement that a former school in Ballincollig, Cork, would be refurbished for the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees, the building was targeted in an arson attack. We received this news with heavy hearts – another act of violence on the would-be homes of people who are seeking safety in Ireland. 

It’s extremely disturbing to see such targeted intimidation being acted upon in Cork. This is one of several recent attacks around the country which serve only to sew division and harass vulnerable people. These attacks are not a new phenomenon. In 2019, another arson attack was committed at a building earmarked for use as a direct provision centre in Rooskey – as the then Minister for Justice described it, these attacks are a “reckless disregard for the safety of human life.” 

We need to see law enforcement, media outlets and political parties take leadership in their responses to incidents such as this. These attacks need to be treated seriously and sensitively.

It is vital that local representatives are informed and equipped to deal with these situations in a constructive way. These acts of aggression undermine the cohesion of communities, and locals deserve support from their elected reps as they make sense of and respond to the violence in their area. Preventative measures are also needed now across sectors – including legal, policy and public services.” 

Members of the public who are concerned about anti-migrant violence in their community can avail of resources from the Hope and Courage Collective (www.fro.ie), and Le Cheile: Diversity Not Division (https://lecheilednd.com/).

ENDS

Media Contact: Olivia Teahan
Email: olivia@nascireland.org
Phone: 087 609 3014