Investigate the funding and organization behind Ireland’s 2025 anti-immigration protests, from far-right groups to local support, amid housing tensions.

May 12, 2025

Note to Anthony: Your Dublin roots and 80s London experience inspired this deep dive into who’s behind Ireland’s protests. Thanks for pushing us to uncover the truth.

Ireland’s 2025 anti-immigration protests have drawn thousands to the streets, with Dublin’s “National Protest” on April 26 and violent incidents like Coolock’s arson highlighting deep community tensions. These events, tied to housing shortages and asylum seeker accommodations, raise questions about their organization and funding. This investigation for Ashes on Air examines the groups, financial sources, and broader context driving the protests, presenting a balanced view of the forces at play in Ireland’s immigration debate.

The Protest Landscape: Scale and Context

Since November 2018, Ireland has recorded 476 anti-immigration protests, with 307 in 2022 and 169 by August 2023, according to Garda Síochána data. Key events in 2025 include:

• July 2024, Coolock: A former paint factory intended for 550 asylum seekers was set ablaze; 21 individuals faced public order charges.
• February 2025, Dublin: Riots involving petrol bombs and burned vehicles disrupted the city centre.
• April 26, 2025: Over 10,000 marched from the Garden of Remembrance, organized by Malachy Steenson, during the 1916 Easter Rising commemoration.

These protests often focus on asylum seeker housing, reflecting Ireland’s housing crisis—130,000 vacant homes alongside rising homelessness. The 2022 arrival of 65,000 refugees, including 58,000 Ukrainians, intensified pressure on communities like East Wall and Ballymun. Counter-protests by groups like United Against Racism, advocating for refugee inclusion, highlight a divided public sentiment.

Related:Dublin Anti Immigration Protests

Deportation Flights: Policy in Focus

In parallel, Ireland intensified immigration enforcement with two chartered deportation flights to Georgia in 2025:

• February 27: 32 individuals (28 men, 3 women, 1 child) deported, costing €102,476.
• April 30: 39 individuals (30 men, 4 women, 5 children) removed.

These operations, managed by the Garda National Immigration Bureau under a 2024 contract with Air Partner Limited, target nationals from “safe countries” like Georgia, amid 18,500 asylum applications in 2024. The Department of Justice reported 2,403 deportation orders in 2024 (up 180% from 2023) and 1,599 by April 2025, with 934 voluntary returns in 2024. The General Scheme of the International Protection Bill 2025, approved in May, aligns with the EU Migration and Asylum Pact (effective June 2026) to streamline asylum processes.

Organizing the Protests: Key Groups and Figures

Several groups and individuals are associated with organizing these protests:

• National Party: Founded in 2016 by Justin Barrett, it advocates anti-immigration policies and was visible at the April 2025 march. The party has one councillor in Fingal.
• Irish Freedom Party: Led by Hermann Kelly, it promotes nationalist and anti-EU views, participating in Dublin rallies.
• Local Organizers: Malachy Steenson, a Dublin City Councillor since 2024, coordinates through the East Wall Protest Committee. Derek Blighe (Ireland First) and Philip Dwyer, active on social media, mobilize supporters.

Gardaí note that while some violent incidents involve “opportunistic criminals,” these groups provide organizational structure, using platforms like X to rally crowds.

Funding the Protests: Exploring the Sources

The financial backing of these protests is complex, with multiple potential sources:

Crowdfunding and Digital Donations

Groups like the National Party and Irish Freedom Party use X and Telegram to solicit small, frequent donations. Social media posts, such as those sharing donation links during protests, suggest crowdfunding sustains operations, though platforms rarely disclose totals or donor identities. Investigative efforts would involve monitoring these channels and checking platform policies for compliance.

Local Community Support

Communities in areas like Coolock and Rosslare contribute to protest logistics, funding items like banners and transport. Informal collections, such as cash donations or community events, are reported, with groups like Rosslare’s “Enough is Enough” campaign as examples. Local businesses may also provide support, though evidence is anecdotal. Gardaí reports on seized protest materials could offer clues to funding origins.

Political Party Finances

Registered parties like the National Party must declare donations under Irish law, but oversight is limited. A 2023 dispute over €400,000 in gold reserves, claimed by Justin Barrett to be “stolen” by deputy leader James Reynolds, suggests access to private funds. The Gardaí classified it as an internal matter, highlighting financial opacity. Reviewing Electoral Commission filings could reveal declared contributions.

Potential International Contributions

Historical reports indicate U.S. far-right groups have supported European nationalist movements, with a 2019 study noting $50 million in “dark money” from American Christian right organizations reaching Europe. Specific 2025 links to Ireland are unconfirmed, but interactions between Irish activists and U.S. figures on X suggest possible donations. UK far-right networks, connected through Hermann Kelly’s past ties to Nigel Farage’s group, may also play a role. Further investigation requires cross-referencing donor patterns on crowdfunding platforms.

Misinformation on Public Funding

Some protesters claim government or EU funds support NGOs that exacerbate migration issues, citing €4.3 billion in asylum accommodation spending. No evidence links public funds to protest groups, and these claims often stem from misinformation on X. Auditing government spending could clarify these perceptions.

Challenges in Tracing Funding

Uncovering funding sources faces obstacles:

• Limited Transparency: Crowdfunding platforms and parties often withhold donor details.
• Community Dynamics: Investigating local contributions risks misrepresenting genuine economic concerns, with 3,001 homeless asylum seekers reported in 2024.
• Investigative Risks: Gardaí are probing threats against journalists covering protests, complicating access to sensitive data.

The Bigger Picture: Housing and Policy

The protests are deeply tied to Ireland’s housing crisis, with public frustration over resource allocation fueling unrest. The government’s response, including deportation flights and legislative reforms, aims to address these concerns while aligning with EU policies. However, the involvement of organized groups raises questions about the extent to which protests reflect grassroots sentiment versus coordinated efforts.

Moving Forward: Seeking Clarity

This investigation highlights the diverse funding streams—crowdfunding, local support, party finances, and potential international contributions—behind Ireland’s anti-immigration protests. While financial details remain elusive, the interplay of housing challenges and organized activism shapes the debate. Readers are invited to share insights or tips via Ashes on Air’s contact page to further this inquiry.

Sources: Garda Síochána, Department of Justice, The Irish Times, Irish Examiner, The Journal, OpenDemocracy, WIRED, The Soufan Center.