Frustration Grows as Six-Month Closure Drags On
Dozens of worshippers gathered outside the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) in Clonskeagh, Dublin, on Saturday, demanding the immediate reopening of the mosque, which has now been closed for almost six months.
The protest, organised by Muslim Community Ireland, drew families, young people, and community leaders, all expressing growing frustration over what they call a “lack of transparency and communication” from the mosque’s management.
‘This Mosque Is Our Second Home’
Many attendees described the centre as more than a place of prayer, calling it a community hub that has helped new arrivals settle and find belonging.
Hamza Belfedhal, 25, said he grew up attending youth events and prayers at the mosque. “This place shaped who I am,” he said. “For half a year, we’ve had no access to our mosque, no clarity, no updates, and it feels like we’ve been cut off from our spiritual home.”
Families Say They Feel ‘Deprived’
Parents at the protest said children who once attended Quran lessons and weekend classes have been left without a safe gathering space. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Fatima, a mother of three from Lucan. “My kids ask me every Friday why we can’t go to the mosque. It’s more than prayer, it’s identity.”
Parents at the protest said children who once attended Quran lessons and weekend classes have been left without a safe gathering space. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Fatima, a mother of three from Lucan. “My kids ask me every Friday why we can’t go to the mosque. It’s more than prayer’s identity.”
Though the centre’s restaurant, school and shop continue to operate, several business owners nearby say footfall has dropped sharply.
“The mosque brings people together,” said one local café owner. “Without that traffic, everything is quieter.”
Though the centre’s restaurant, school and shop continue to operate, several business owners nearby say footfall has dropped sharply. “The mosque brings people together,” said one local café owner. “Without that traffic, everything is quieter.”
Tensions Behind the Closure
The ICCI was closed in April after security concerns were raised during an internal meeting that escalated outside the building. Since then, internal disputes, financial problems, and alleged disagreements over management have emerged — leaving the mosque locked and the community divided.
‘Administration Issues Shouldn’t Punish Worshippers’
Protesters say that whatever administrative or legal issues are being resolved, ordinary members should not be punished.
“We just want to pray again in our mosque,” said Abdul Haseeb, spokesperson for Muslim Community Ireland. “We’ve been patient, but we deserve honesty. We want a timeline — not excuses.”
Calls for Transparency and Dialogue
The group is urging ICCI’s management and board to meet with community representatives to provide clear information on what’s happening behind closed doors.
“Engagement is key,” Haseeb said. “If there are issues, we can help resolve them. But we can’t help if we’re kept in the dark.”
The group is urging ICCI’s management and board to meet with community representatives to provide clear information on what’s happening behind closed doors. “Engagement is key,” Haseeb said. “If there are issues, we can help resolve them. But we can’t help if we’re kept in the dark.”
No Response from ICCI Leadership
Despite repeated requests, the ICCI has not responded to M10News inquiries about when the mosque might reopen or whether progress has been made in its internal review.
Despite repeated requests, the ICCI has not responded to M10News inquiries about when the mosque might reopen or whether progress has been made in its internal review.
Previous Safety Justification
In its April statement, the ICCI said it closed the mosque “as a preventive measure” to ensure safety and security for staff, children, and members of the public. It also confirmed it was conducting an audit into “legal, financial, and governance issues” while reviewing its overall security measures.
In its April statement, the ICCI said it closed the mosque “as a preventive measure” to ensure safety and security for staff, children, and members of the public. It also confirmed it was conducting an audit into “legal, financial, and governance issues” while reviewing its overall security measures.
In its April statement, the ICCI said it closed the mosque “as a preventive measure” to ensure safety and security for staff, children, and members of the public.
It also confirmed it was conducting an audit into “legal, financial, and governance issues” while reviewing its overall security measures.
Funded by Al Maktoum Foundation
The Clonskeagh complex, one of Ireland’s largest mosques, is funded by the Al Maktoum Foundation based in Abu Dhabi. The foundation has not commented publicly on the closure or on when the centre might reopen to worshippers.
M10News Dublin Desk | Contact: dublin@m10news.com
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