Dublin – Efforts to reopen a mosque in Clonskeagh, Dublin, remain unsuccessful following its closure due to internal conflict and violence. This marks the fourth consecutive Friday that the mosque, operated by the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI), has remained closed. The centre was shut down on April 19 after a power struggle between two groups led to a physical altercation.
An online public meeting held recently to seek a resolution ended without progress. The meeting, chaired by Abdul Hassab, a spokesperson for Muslim Community Ireland, was attended by 171 participants, including Joe Coleman, who joined as an independent mediator. The initiative for the meeting came in response to a petition submitted by members of the community urging action to resolve the situation. Hassab confirmed that local TDs have been contacted in an effort to mediate a solution.
Notably absent from the meeting was Sheikh Hussein Halawa, the mosque’s imam, who expressed regret for not attending and issued a statement calling the closure “heartbreaking”. He added that, having taken legal steps, he would refrain from further public comment. ICCI CEO Ahmed Hussain also addressed the meeting, emphasising the board’s directive to limit public statements while the situation unfolds.
Mediator Joe Coleman acknowledged community frustration, noting that many were confused about how a labour-related dispute had led to the mosque’s closure. He cautioned that if the disagreement progresses to legal proceedings, it could significantly delay any resolution.
During the meeting, results from a survey of 247 local Muslim community members were presented. The findings indicated that the mosque’s closure has disrupted children’s access to religious education and limited community access to religious services.
In an official statement, ICCI said the mosque was closed as a precautionary measure to protect the safety of staff, children, visitors, and property and has not indicated when it might reopen.
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