Ireland is intensifying its response to illegal immigration, with the Garda National Immigration Bureau conducting checks near the Northern Ireland border.
The number of asylum seekers in Ireland has surged by nearly 300% over the past five years, largely due to tougher UK immigration policies post-Brexit and Ireland’s strong economy. Many asylum seekers enter through Northern Ireland, bypassing passport controls.
So far this year, over 2,000 individuals have been issued deportation orders, although fewer than 130 have left the country. In response, the government plans to use chartered deportation flights and reassign more Garda officers to immigration tasks.
The rise in asylum applications coincides with Ireland’s housing crisis, leading to overcrowded accommodations for both asylum seekers and Ukrainians. This has sparked local protests, particularly in Dundrum, where residents have raised concerns about the impact on their community’s resources and services. Some locals fear the influx of asylum seekers will permanently alter the area.
While some communities support refugees, the government has faced criticism for not adequately engaging with residents. Despite this, Ireland’s image as a progressive democracy remains intact, though the growing anti-immigration sentiment could influence future politics.
