Residents of the Citywest International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre in Dublin say intimidation has continued unabated two weeks after violent protests erupted outside the complex. Parents told The Irish Times that groups gather daily at the entrance, recording them on phones, taunting children with shouts of “go home” and seizing footballs and other belongings.
Teachers at local schools corroborated the accounts, adding that the abuse has begun to affect attendance and mental health. The Citywest facility houses more than 700 asylum seekers and was purchased by the State earlier this year as part of a strategy to own 14,000 reception beds by 2028. The October unrest, fuelled by anti-immigration activists, led to 13 arrests and renewed calls for stronger perimeter security.
![Families at Citywest centre report continuing harassment after October riots]()
The Department of Justice says Gardaí are monitoring the site and that additional CCTV and lighting are being installed. Nevertheless, advocacy groups warn the harassment could deter vulnerable families from attending mandatory interviews or schooling, complicating case processing and integration efforts.
For global-mobility and relocation teams, the incident is a reminder that community tensions can spill over into daily life for assignees’ families—even in traditionally welcoming Ireland. Employers bringing staff through the Irish asylum or Stamp 4 pathways should consider enhanced pastoral support and location briefings, particularly when accommodation is in high-profile centres.
Teachers at local schools corroborated the accounts, adding that the abuse has begun to affect attendance and mental health. The Citywest facility houses more than 700 asylum seekers and was purchased by the State earlier this year as part of a strategy to own 14,000 reception beds by 2028. The October unrest, fuelled by anti-immigration activists, led to 13 arrests and renewed calls for stronger perimeter security.
The Department of Justice says Gardaí are monitoring the site and that additional CCTV and lighting are being installed. Nevertheless, advocacy groups warn the harassment could deter vulnerable families from attending mandatory interviews or schooling, complicating case processing and integration efforts.
For global-mobility and relocation teams, the incident is a reminder that community tensions can spill over into daily life for assignees’ families—even in traditionally welcoming Ireland. Employers bringing staff through the Irish asylum or Stamp 4 pathways should consider enhanced pastoral support and location briefings, particularly when accommodation is in high-profile centres.
