A large security presence comprising gardaí and dozens of security guards has been put in place around the Clonskeagh mosque in south Dublin, following alleged potential attempts to “forcibly take control of the premises”.
A number of gardaí are maintaining a presence outside the grounds of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) while about 40 private security guards, hired by management at the centre, are present inside the building, The Irish Times has learned.
It follows a number of alleged threats made against officials in the centre and an altercation that took place at a meeting in the building last Saturday that was broken up by gardaí.
Some officials reported concerns to gardaí that a group of people were planning to forcibly take over the centre.
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The centre will remain closed until further notice as a security review takes place.
The centre, which also houses a mosque and a Muslim school, has been closed since an allegedly “deeply troubling” incident on April 19th. It is understood the incident resulted from an internal dispute among the centre’s congregation.
In a statement on Friday, the centre said its board had scheduled a closed-door meeting for parents of children enrolled at the Quranic School to discuss school-related matters last Saturday. The school has been closed since mid-April.
The statement said “attempts were made to disrupt the meeting and transform it into an open community gathering at an incorrect venue”.
Despite clarifying the meeting was for parents, it said there was a “co-ordinated effort to instigate chaos, intimidate and harass parents, and obstruct their entry to the scheduled meeting”, which it said led to the “physical assault” of staff and board members.
The incident resulted in a “heightened security situation, creating an unsafe environment”, the centre said.
The board determined that maintaining security would be “impossible if the centre remained open” following the incident and in light of “credible information” received by the board regarding planned protests, “including potential attempts to breach the centre’s gates and forcibly take control of the premises”.
In its statement, the centre said the board remains concerned about ongoing safety risks “particularly given reports that further protests may be organised with the intent to incite individuals to breach the gates and forcibly occupy ICCI premises”.
“We trust the gardaí will continue to ensure the protection of the centre during this time,” it said.
The centre will remain closed as a full security review is undertaken during which the board will also carry out a “comprehensive audit to address and remedy the legal, financial, and governance issues it has inherited”.
The newly appointed board of the centre raised concerns over “governance failures”.
The centre said an internal auditor has been appointed to assist with management.
The centre said assertions circulating “that any foreign party has made a request for any data are completely false and are categorically denied”.
“No such request has been received, nor has any action been taken in this regard.
“These statements are defamatory and baseless. The centre reiterates that rumours of pressure from abroad or any external actors/parties are false and without foundation,” the statement reads.
It said reforms will “ultimately enhance the centre’s ability to fulfil its mission”.
“Looking ahead, the ICCI intends to welcome a wide range of new proposals and initiatives that support deeper integration into Irish society and foster stronger collaboration with the institutions and diverse communities of the Irish state,” it said.
In a statement, the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council called on the ICCI’s management to “put aside personal interests and ego, recognising this is not about individuals but about safeguarding the future of Islam in Ireland”.
“In light of long-standing governance failures, we urge them to engage in genuine reconciliation by demonstrating true leadership through voluntarily relinquishing control to allow for necessary renewal,” it said.
The organisation said the ICCI belongs to the whole Muslim community in Ireland, not to any one group.
“It is time for a fresh start; one built on transparency, unity, and genuine service,” it said.
“The Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council stands ready to assist in this process. With our experience in community representation, mediation, and institution building, we are willing to play an active role in reconciliation efforts and the reopening of the ICCI; ensuring it becomes the inclusive, transparent, and dynamic mosque that Irish Muslims deserve.”
