by Alan Jacques
MIGRANT rights organisation Doras Luimní says it is “appalled” by the rise in racist and homophobic posters being put up around the city.
The independent non-governmental organisation, which works to support and promote the rights of all migrants living in Limerick, has condemned the increase in frequency and occurrence of racist and homophobic material.
This week the Limerick Post discovered a number of racist and homophobic posters on Todd’s Bow in the city centre. One hateful poster depicted two frightened children standing in the centre of a map of Ireland as two Muslim men came up out of the Irish Sea. It read: “The turd world needs more breeding space. Make room for them.”
In the run up to the marriage equality referendum a number of homophobic no campaign posters, appearing to be by the same artist, also appeared around the city. Posters have been spotted more frequently over the last year in locations around the city including the Dock Road, Dooradoyle, Patrick Street and Foxes Bow.
The Council and the Gardaí have been contacted this week to have the material removed and to see if the perpetrators can be identified. It is believed the posters may be the work of supporters of nationalism based in Limerick as part of their campaign to spread an anti-immigration message.
Flyposting is illegal under the Litter pollution act and carries a fine of €150. Limerick City and County Council is investigating the erection of the posters.
Sinn Féin councillor Maurice Quinlivan condemned the racist and homophobic material.
“Limerick City is a vibrant multicultural city and any form of racism should not be tolerated. Every resident has a right to live and work in peace, and to go about their lives free from racism, or any form of discriminatory abuse,” said Cllr Quinlivan.
The City North representative believes that we must all work together to ensure Limerick continues to be a safe and welcoming area to all its people regardless of their ethnicities, races and religions.
“I would encourage all residents to be vigilant against all forms of racism in Limerick and to inform Limerick Council and An Garda Siochana if they notice anymore racist posters or leaflets appearing. Free speech is very important and must be defended but people have absolutely no right to erect racist, sexist and or obnoxious trash such as these posters clearly are.”
Anti Austerity Alliance councillor Cian Prendiville described the material as “absolutely vile”.
“Portraying those who come to Ireland as some sort of sinister force, trying to ruin the country is exactly the kind of racist discrimination Irish people have faced for years around the world,” he said.
Doras Luimní are calling on anyone that has any information regarding the posters to report them to the Gardai, Limerick City and County Council and/or to the online reporting mechanism www.ireport.ie.
