Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin closes to the public following ‘deeply troubling’ incident

A notice posted to the gates of the centre, which also houses a mosque and a Muslim school, said the campus will remain closed until a full investigation is carried out and robust safety and security protocols are implemented.

The notice said the incident was “unprecedented and distressing”.

Today’s News in 90 seconds – 24th April 2025

The notice said there was an “unprecedented and distressing attack” on the mosque, centre and board members on April 19 that left management with no choice but to temporarily close the centre.

“The decision has been made with the utmost concern for the safety and well-being of our community, especially the children of the Muslim National School,” said the notice, signed “management”.

It said the move was “a deeply sorrowful moment in the history of the Mosque and Centre”.

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, who is leader of a mosque in west Dublin, told RTÉ News he believes that issues have arisen about the operation of the centre.

However, he said his message to the community is that there is “no cause for alarm” and what is happening is a “transitional period”.

He added that he believes the centre will reopen under “renewed administration” and this would be a “step towards unity and progress”.

It has been reported that videos circulating on social media, believed to be from Saturday, show large groups of people inside and outside the mosque arguing with each other.

The Islamic Cultural Centre has been operating in Clonskeagh since 1996 and is one of the biggest for Ireland’s Muslim population, the majority of whom live in Dublin.

The centre serves the majority of the estimated 55,000 Muslim population. It hosts large celebrations and has hosted several high-profile visits and services.