Social media posts and comments ‘made fun’ of arson attack on Drogheda IPAS centre

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The people of Drogheda are “shocked, sickened and saddened” by the attack on the IPAS centre in Georges Street on Halloween night.

Mayor Michelle Hall opened the monthly meeting of Drogheda Borough District with strong condemnation of the arson attack on a centre housing mothers and young children.

Stark warnings about the impact of social media, and comments “that made fun of this attack” also emerged as councillors heard of the need to combat “the racist narrative.”

Mayor Hall said: “This shocking attack does not reflect who we are as a town or a community. Drogheda has always been a place that welcomes people from all walks of life. and this heinous act has no place here.”

She told the meeting that residents had expressed their “hurt, anger and disappointment” that this could have happened in their town, and wanted a message of sympathy and support to go out to those affected.

Mayor Hall said those who live in the IPAS centre had come to Ireland “seeking asylum and a new start” and the “overwhelming message from the people of Drogheda is one of solidarity and not division.”

She praised the work of frontline services for their response to the incident, and in particular the ”quick actions” of Louth Fire Service and Gardai “on a night when they were so stretched already.”

The support of Cllr. Ejiro O’Hare Stratton, who had been working in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital had been crucial for the victims of the attack, said Mayor Hall.

She added that Cllr. O’Hare Stratton knew the families personally through the ‘Hands 4 Unity’ charity, and was able to console them as they arrived into the hospital after the incident.

"It was a friendly face for these families, and we cannot underestimate the importance of a friendly face at a time of trauma.”

Mayor Hall hit out at “the weaponising of social media”, which she argued “we must keep working to combat.”

She added there was an upscale in “negativity and fear” on Drogheda related posts being spread online over the last week, “especially around potential IPAS centres.”

"We don’t know if this correlated with the incident, but words have power,” said Mayor Hall.

“Social media can be such a powerful force for truth and solidarity, and the people of Drogheda came out in support through their words, through their kindness, and that is the Drogheda that I know and love.”

Cllr. O’Hare Stratton said the women and children who were "deeply shocked” by the attack had also spoken of the “unbelievable outpouring of love” shown by people from across all communities in Drogheda.

One of the women affected wanted to convey the message “that we have felt nothing but love for the last two years, and this individual does not represent the people of Drogheda.”

Cllr. O’Hare Stratton said the families had received extensive support, including clothes and shoes, and wanted to “express their sincere thanks for the love and compassion shown.”

Cllr. Anne Marie Forde condemned: “innocent and vulnerable people should never be targetted in that way.”

Cllr. Paddy McQuillan told the meeting “it was a heinous act that has no place in our community.” and commended all the frontline workers who were involved in the response.

Cllr. Pio Smith said “the Drogheda spirit” had shone through as people were contacting him and many other councillors asking what they could do to help.

"I do think as a country, and as a society, we shouldn’t shy away from a debate around immigration. There needs to be a national debate as the narrative is being left to some extremists.”

Cllr. Smith said evidence of these “extremists” was visible through the comments online in the days after the attack, “which were racist, and made fun of what happened.”

He said the benefits of immigration needed to be highlighted, and “the humanitarian responsibility we have to help people who are coming in and are looking for help.”

The asylum process should be handled “humanely, and with compassion,” said Cllr. Smith.

He also commended the Mayor for “stepping forward again” to oppose this incident. “I know in the past you suffered because you stood up.”

Cllr. Smith called for an event to be held, possibly a non-denominational service, to “support the victims of the attack, and stand up against people who are racist.”

Mayor Hall added there had been some discussion around an event, which could include the Hands 4 Unity community group, who had expressed their wish to take part.

Cllr. Declan Power spoke of the “deep shock and anger” felt by the people of Drogheda as news of the incident emerged.

He said local people had been offering accommodation, albeit on a temporary basis, to the victims of the attack. “People felt they wanted to do something to help.. no one could believe this had happened.”

“To harm innocent people, including women and children who are seeking safety.. it is just a shameful and hateful crime.”

He appealed to anyone who had any information relating to the attack to reach out to gardai, or use the confidential line.