Dublin Sanctuary Group Receives Over €130,000 in State Funding,Remains Silent on Dublin City Sanctuary Bid
A Dublin-based association,Places of Sanctuary,affiliated with a UK NGO,received €304,129 in funding last year,with 99.75% originating from the Irish state. The group, registered with the Irish Refugee Council, has yet to pursue a “Sanctuary City” designation for Dublin, despite a recent decision by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in Northern Ireland to adopt the status.
Places of Sanctuary was founded in 2016 and operates with four employees, incurring wage and direct costs of €142,057 in 2024. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) provided the largest portion of funding - €130,870 – through its International Protection Integration Fund. Voluntary donations totaled a mere €750.
The organization’s directors include gerry Hassett, former director of Irish Life; Veronica Crosbie, a lecturer in Intercultural Studies at Dublin City University; Martin meagher, a former director of Carlow chambers of Commerce; and Jean-Pierre Eyanga Ekumeloko, a former director of the National Consultative Commitee on Racism.
Despite inquiries regarding potential plans to seek Sanctuary City status for Dublin following the Newry decision, gript received no response from Places of Sanctuary. The group’s expenses for 2024 include €22,996 for motoring and €558 for “nature and heritage” related costs.
The “Sanctuary City” movement aims to create welcoming environments for refugees and asylum seekers, but has drawn criticism regarding its potential impact on local resources and community cohesion. Newry’s decision has sparked debate, with concerns raised about the implications for public services and existing residents.