Islamic Cultural Centre Remains Closed Amid Ongoing Dispute; Petition Calls for Reopening
Dublin: The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI), the country’s largest mosque, remained closed on Friday following last weekend’s unrest. Although the Muslim National School, located on the centre’s grounds, is expected to reopen as scheduled after the annual holidays, discussions are ongoing between the school and the Department of Education to ensure a smooth resumption of activities.
The ICCI, based in Clonskeagh, was closed after a confrontation erupted during a meeting concerning the formation of a new board of directors. Tensions flared when attendees exchanged heated slogans, leading to a physical altercation. Gardaí were called to the scene to restore order.
Following the incident, the newly appointed board of directors decided to temporarily close the centre, citing concerns for the safety of the property, employees, children, and the broader public. In a statement, the ICCI confirmed that a full review of the situation is underway.
Founded nearly 30 years ago with financial backing from the Dubai-based Al-Maktoum Foundation, the ICCI has long served as a leading educational and religious institution for Ireland’s Muslim community. The centre has emphasised its commitment to reforms aimed at enhancing its capacity and effectiveness in serving the community.
The Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council, the national representative body for Muslims in Ireland, has described the dispute as a serious crisis. The council urged all parties to engage constructively and work towards a resolution, stressing that the ICCI belongs to the entire Muslim community and not any single group. They also emphasised that this challenging moment should be seen as an opportunity for a new beginning.
Petition to Reopen the Centre Gains Momentum
Meanwhile, a growing number of community members have rallied behind a petition demanding the immediate reopening of the ICCI. Over 2,000 people have already signed the online petition, which underscores the centre’s crucial role as a cornerstone of Ireland’s Muslim faith community.
The petition asserts that while administrative disputes have led to the closure, ordinary worshippers — who bear no responsibility for the internal conflict — are the ones most affected. It calls on the board and all stakeholders to prioritise the community’s spiritual needs and resolve the matter swiftly.
The closure followed the disruption of a parent meeting organised by the ICCI board on April 19 to address issues related to the Quran School. A group forced entry into the closed meeting room, escalating tensions into a scuffle. The board subsequently decided to close the centre, with Gardaí assisting in the enforcement of the closure to prevent further violence.
A notice posted at the centre’s gates reiterated that the closure was a necessary step to protect the community and the students of the Muslim National School.
Shaykh Dr. Omar Al-Qadri, head of another mosque in West Dublin, acknowledged operational challenges at the ICCI but urged calm. He expressed confidence that the newly appointed board would resolve the internal issues without significant delay.
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