30.06.2026
Statement from Dublin City Interfaith Forum Condemning the Attack on Al Madinah Islamic Centre
The Dublin City Interfaith Forum (DCIF) expresses its profound shock and unequivocal condemnation following today’s apparent arson attack on the Al Madinah Islamic Centre on Talbot Street, Dublin. This appalling attack on a place of worship has deeply saddened all those who value peace, mutual respect and religious freedom.
Today’s incident is particularly distressing as it comes only hours after three men pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to terrorism–related offences arising from a plot to set fire to a mosque in Galway in 2025. The coincidence of these events serves as a stark reminder that hatred directed against any faith community can never be ignored and must always be confronted through the rule of law, education and solidarity.
On behalf of our communities and leaders, DCIF extends solidarity, prayers and support to the Imam, leadership and congregation of the Al Madinah Islamic Centre. We recognize fear and distress that attack causes, not only for those who worship there, but for communities throughout Ireland. We want members of the Islamic Community to know that they are not alone. People of Dublin stand with you, and fellow faith communities stand with you.
A place of worship is a sanctuary, a space dedicated to prayer, reflection, compassion and service. An attack on any place of worship is an attack on the shared values that bind our diverse city together. Such acts seek to spread fear and division, but they must never be allowed to succeed.
We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to Dublin Fire Brigade and An Garda Síochána for their swift, professional and courageous response. Their prompt intervention ensured the building was evacuated safely and prevented what could have been a far more serious tragedy. We thank all emergency personnel who responded with dedication and professionalism during this incident.
DCIF welcomes the ongoing Garda investigation and trusts that those responsible will be identified and brought before the courts. We encourage anyone with information that may assist the investigation to cooperate fully with An Garda Síochána.
At this difficult time, we call upon everyone across Dublin and Ireland to remain calm and reject any attempt to sow fear, hatred or division. We ask our fellow citizens to rally around the Al Madinah Islamic Centre and the wider Muslim community with kindness, empathy and practical acts of solidarity. Let today’s response be one of compassion rather than fear, unity rather than division, and hope rather than hatred.
Dublin has long been enriched by its religious and cultural diversity. Our different faith communities have worked together for many years to build relationships based on trust, dialogue and mutual respect. We remain steadfast in our commitment to these values and will continue to work together through our Safe Haven program, to ensure that every person, regardless of their faith or background, can worship freely and safely.
Today we stand united with our Muslim brothers and sisters. We reject hatred in all its forms. Together, we affirm that there is no place in Ireland for attacks on places of worship or for those who seek to divide our communities through violence and intimidation.