Groups with anti-immigrant sentiments consider discontinuing protest marches

Organizers of anti-asylum protests in Dublin are in discussions to end rallies that produce widespread traffic disturbances. Starting in November, the protests have now spread to other parts of the country, including Cork, Sligo, Louth and Westmeath. Campaigners have said the rallies have made their point, but do not want to continue impacting people going to work. The anti-immigration protests began in East Wall in north Dublin and were held in response to the use of an old ESB building to house around 360 refugees in Ireland. The protests have been policed by Gardai, with Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis stating that 115 rallies have been held in Dublin alone this year, compared with just 30 during the same period last year. Meanwhile, pro-immigration rallies have also started to emerge in recent times, adding to the Gardai’s workload.