*Important Clarification Regarding the Clonskeagh Islamic Centre (ICCI)*
The Islamic Centre in Clonskeagh has been temporarily closed by decision of the newly appointed Board of Directors as a preventive measure to ensure the safety and security of the property, staff, children and members of the public.
On Saturday, 19 April, the ICCI Board had scheduled a closed-door meeting specifically for the parents of children enrolled at the Quranic School to discuss school-related matters. However, attempts were made to disrupt the meeting and transform it into an open community gathering at an incorrect venue. A formal clarification had also been issued on the morning of Saturday, 19 April, confirming that the meeting was with the parents of students enrolled at the Quranic School: “The meeting that is being held today at 2pm in ICCI a follow on from the meeting that was held on Thursday with parents of the Quranic school. This meeting was scheduled at their request, and will be held in the seminar room. We will continue to discuss today the issues and concerns of the parents with respect to the school. We look forward to seeing you there.”
Despite this, there was a coordinated effort to instigate chaos, intimidate and harass parents, and obstruct their entry to the scheduled meeting, which also led to physical assault on a staff and the Board. This resulted in a heightened security situation, creating an unsafe environment for our Board Member, staff, parents, the general public, and young people in attendance. Following this incident—and in light of credible information received by the Board regarding planned protests, including potential attempts to breach the Centre’s gates and forcibly take control of the premises—the Board determined that maintaining security would be impossible if the Centre remained open.
The Centre remains concerned about ongoing safety risks, particularly given reports that further protests may be organized with the intent to incite individuals to breach the gates and forcibly occupy ICCI premises. We trust the Gardaí will continue to ensure the protection of the Centre during this time.
The newly appointed Board, having recently taken charge, has also raised serious concerns regarding financial irregularities and governance failures at the ICCI. An internal review was underway, and an internal auditor had been appointed to assist with this process. As part of this effort, the management requested financial records and other relevant documents from the Principal and Deputy Principal of the Quranic School. However, they refused to comply, unlawfully withheld ICCI property, and removed sensitive records without authorization.
Assertions circulating that any foreign party has made a request for any data are completely false and are categorically denied. No such request has been received, nor has any action been taken in this regard. These statements are defamatory and baseless. The Centre reiterates that rumors of pressure from abroad or any external actors/parties are false and without foundation.
The ICCI will remain closed as it undertakes a full review of its security posture. In the meantime, the Board is also conducting a comprehensive audit to address and remedy the legal, financial, and governance issues it has inherited.
These reforms will ultimately enhance the Centre’s ability to fulfill its mission. Looking ahead, the ICCI intends to welcome a wide range of new proposals and initiatives that support deeper integration into Irish society and foster stronger collaboration with the institutions and diverse communities of the Irish state.
