Online claims about refugees arriving at a Ballyfermot gym and a school have been rebutted by a local councillor.
Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan has criticised "mischief makers" behind fake reports that claimed refugees are being accommodated in Ballyfermot Sports Complex and at Mary Queen of Angels Boys Primary School. The councillor, who has been inundated with calls thanks to the online posts, voiced concerns about the potential spying on both the leisure centre and the nearby school.
Cllr Doolan believes that the circulation of untruths have helped peddle fear and lies within the Ballyfermot community. He slammed those responsible for the posts as "mischief makers", adding that staff at both the school and leisure centre are now being scrutinised due to the claims.
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He told Dublin Live: "We’ve seen ridiculous and outlandish claims online about lights being on at night for refugees, which in reality is caretakers within the school. They say they’ve seen a bus pulling up. That’s for the kids going on a school tour, but it’s transformed into rhetoric about buses of men going into the school.
"I find it very questionable as to why people are spying on schools and leisure centres. Young people have a right to privacy when they are going to youth centres and attending school."
Cllr Doolan added that those who have concerns about the school and leisure centre should contact management instead of "fanning the flames" on social media. His main concern is for the wider community, who he says are becoming needlessly stressed over baseless rumours.
He said: "We want to ensure that Ballyfermot remains opening, welcoming for everybody. I’m proud of those who provide those services. I don’t want the area being dragged through the mud by a small few who are hellbent on destroying the community."
The news follows recent protests related to the refugee crisis across Dublin, which began in East Wall. Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy slammed far right protests in Ballymun this weekend as "embarrassing" after videos emerged of angry crowds outside an accommodation centre.
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