lobal Far-Right Groups Increasingly Influencing Anti-Immigrant Movements in Ireland, Report Warns

Dublin: Global far-right extremist networks are exerting a growing influence on anti-immigrant movements in Ireland, according to a report by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism (GPAHE), a left-leaning organisation that monitors extremist activity worldwide.

The report warns that Ireland is attracting increasing attention from international far-right groups, urging authorities and the public not to underestimate the potential risks. While Ireland does not currently have a strong or well-organised far-right movement, the organisation describes recent developments as concerning and potentially destabilising if left unchecked.

According to the findings, Irish anti-immigrant groups are increasingly adopting talking points, narratives, and tactics promoted by far-right networks operating across Europe and other parts of the world. GPAHE monitors extremist and terrorist groups globally and notes that Ireland’s English-speaking population and predominantly white demographic profile make it an attractive environment for international far-right actors seeking to expand their influence.

The report also highlights that incidents of violence targeting immigrants in Ireland have drawn attention and, in some cases, inspiration from extremist groups abroad. Wendy Via, co-founder and president of GPAHE, said that although Ireland’s far-right remains fragmented, its rhetoric mirrors that used by far-right politicians and protest movements in other countries.

“These groups weaponise public frustrations around housing shortages, rising crime, and pressure on infrastructure,” Via said. “Narratives such as ‘you are taking our homes,’ ‘crime is increasing,’ or ‘our culture is under threat’ are central to far-right discourse, and we are seeing these same themes emerge in Ireland.”

Via noted that similar patterns have been observed internationally, particularly during periods of economic stress and social uncertainty. “When opportunities shrink and dissatisfaction grows, far-right movements attempt to exploit that discontent. Ireland is not immune to these dynamics,” she said, adding that misinformation and disinformation around immigration play a key role in amplifying such narratives.

The report emphasises that far-right groups do not necessarily need electoral success to exert influence. Sustained propagation of anti-immigrant rhetoric, it argues, can shape public discourse and normalise hostility over time. GPAHE observed that while anti-immigrant narratives had begun circulating in Ireland several years ago, their spread has now become significantly more widespread.

Despite these concerns, the organisation stressed that Ireland is not currently “in danger” of a far-right takeover. However, it called on Irish society to remain vigilant, warning that extremist groups often seek to manufacture enemies by promoting false narratives that run counter to democratic values and social cohesion.