Homeless tents slashed in Dublin in rising ‘hate crime’ attacks, says support group

A homeless tent encampment in Dublin. Streetlink Homeless Support said it has seen cases of tents being slashed open across the capital. Picture: Collins Photo Agency

A group working with the homeless has said attacks on tents used by rough sleepers in Dublin are “deliberate hate crimes” and not just random acts.

Streetlink Homeless Support said it has seen cases of tents being slashed open across Dublin, taking photographs of them in four separate areas.

It claims that these incidents have become “more frequent and violent” in the last two years, with the encouragement of anti-immigrants groups operating under the banner of “Ireland Says No”.

“Targeting vulnerable people at their lowest point, many of whom are struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and the trauma of homelessness, is one of the most cruel and reprehensible acts imaginable,” the group said in a statement.

“These are not random acts of vandalism; they are deliberate hate crimes.” 

It said: “Over the past two years, these attacks have become more frequent and more violent, encouraged by anti-immigrant groups such as "Ireland Says No."

“These groups spread fear and division, blaming migrants and homeless people for problems caused by systemic failures. But the real culprits are those who carry out these attacks, as well as the politicians and activists who enable this hatred.” 

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Streelink’s CEO Pádraig Drummond said: "To attack someone who has nothing, no home, no safety, no voice, is the lowest form of cruelty. We’ve seen tents slashed, lives threatened, and vulnerable people demonised by those who spread hate. We stand with every rough sleeper, whether they’re fleeing persecution or battling addiction.”