Three in five people believe Ireland has taken in too many refugees

More than three in five people (62%) believe that Ireland has taken in too many refugees, according to a new poll.

This marks an increase of six per cent on the same figures from February 2023.

The results of the survey, which were produced by Ireland Thinks for the Sunday Independent, come after anti-immigration protests turned violent in Coolock, north Dublin, last month.

More than 19 people were arrested after protestors began attacking Garda officers at a disused factory designated as accommodation for asylum seekers.

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Anti-immigration protestors from Coolock were also involved in far-right demonstrations in Belfast at the weekend.

However, the latest poll revealed than almost the same amount of people (59%) disagreed with those protesting outside migrant accommodation.

In addition, while housing, immigration and the cost of living were identified as the three most important issues for those surveyed, the rise of the far right is now ranked as the fourth most important priority to deal with – this is up 10% on the last poll.

More than two in five of those surveyed (44%) also said that they are ‘very concerned’ about the rise of the far right.

Elsewhere, almost three-quarters of people support Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s policy that refugees and asylum-seekers should be housed in more affluent areas of the country.

The call from the Sinn Féin President followed a shift on immigration policy in the aftermath of poor results in recent elections.

The latest poll reveals the party remains behind Fine Gael (24%) and Fianna Fáil (20%) on 19%.

Additionally, only 20% of people now believe that Mary Lou McDonald will be the next Taoiseach, down from 47% in February last year.

Meanwhile, Simon Harris is favourite to continue in the role, with 48% of those surveyed believing he will be the next Taoiseach.