The Islamic Cultural Centre located in Clonskeagh, Dublin, has been temporarily closed to the public following an incident over the weekend, reports RTE.
It is believed that the incident stemmed from internal matters within the centre.
Videos circulating online, reportedly recorded on Saturday, depict large crowds both inside and outside the mosque engaged in heated arguments, while security personnel attempt to de-escalate the situation, reports RTE.
A notice displayed at the gates announced that the centre will stay closed until a thorough investigation is conducted and enhanced safety and security measures are introduced.
The notice described the event as “unprecedented and distressing” and said it had no option but to temporarily shut down the mosque and cultural centre in south Dublin, reports RTE.
“The decision has been made with the utmost concern for the safety and well-being of our community, especially the children of the Muslim National School.”
It also stated that this development marks “a deeply sorrowful moment in the history of the Mosque and Centre”.
News of the closure has sparked concern and surprise among members of Ireland’s Muslim community, reports RTE.
A representative of the Islamic Cultural Centre stated that he could not provide any comments on the situation.
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, who leads a mosque in west Dublin, expressed his belief that the situation involves concerns related to how the centre is being managed.
Despite this, he reassured the community by saying there is “no cause for alarm” and referred to the current events as a “transitional period”, reports RTE.
He further noted that he anticipates the centre will eventually reopen under “renewed administration” and described this as a “step towards unity and progress.”
Since its opening in 1996, the Islamic Cultural Centre in Clonskeagh has served as a key institution for Muslims in Ireland, particularly those residing in Dublin, reports RTE.
According to the 2022 census, Ireland’s Muslim population stands at 81,000.
The centre has long served as the primary venue for major religious events such as Ramadan and Eid and has hosted many significant services and visits over the past thirty years, reports RTE.
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