Ireland Witnesses Emergence of the 'Great Replacement' Phenomenon

In rural areas of Ireland, the influx of migrants and asylum seekers has sparked a wave of concerns among local communities. Counties like Tipperary have seen an unprecedented number of asylum applicants housed in hotels and remote sites, due to the Irish government's efforts to accommodate the high volume of claims and the lack of alternative accommodation options nationwide [1][2].

The concerns revolve around several key issues. First, the unsuitability of accommodation in rural areas, with many sites lacking basic infrastructure such as street lighting, footpaths, and amenities [1]. Second, the lack of prior communication with local communities and support organizations, causing distrust and frustration [1]. Third, the isolation and remoteness of these locations, which can limit access to services and opportunities for social integration [1].

Moreover, there have been instances of protests and even riots linked to migration in remote Irish areas, fueled by feelings of being neglected or ignored by the government and local authorities [1][2]. Some locals express resentment, worrying about the social and economic impacts of rapid demographic changes [2].

The influx is linked to Ireland’s migration policy and global migration drivers, such as global conflicts, climate change, population growth in lower-income countries, and Ireland’s demand for migrant labor to sustain its workforce amid a falling birthrate and an aging native population [3].

Across the sea, in the United Kingdom, polls indicate that a majority of citizens (69%) are opposed to open immigration [4]. Concerns about migration in the UK have led to reports of riots and the formation of gangs of foreigners patrolling streets and attempting to intimidate locals [5].

In Tipperary, a small hamlet with a population of 165, protests have erupted after it was revealed that at least 265 migrants would be relocated there [6]. Locals report that the government asserts that only women and children and families will be transplanted to these centers, and most of them will be Ukrainians [6]. However, after the media cameras are gone and protests die down, military-aged males from Africa and the Middle East are quietly relocated to the community [6].

UK officials argue that these migrants are needed to fill gaps in the service sector labor market, but rural regions like Tipperary, which rely predominantly on tourism, have no demand for such labor [7]. Other discreet and suspicious migrant compounds have been found in rural areas of Ireland, protected by government security and housing predominantly military-aged males from third-world and Islamic countries [8].

Locals had few problems with the Ukrainians, but are concerned about the replacement of Ukrainians with third-world migrants [9]. The last places for western citizens to go to for safety are rural enclaves, and even now those are being taken away [10].

References: 1. O'Connor, C. (2021, September 20). 'The asylum system is broken': Protesters voice concerns over migrant accommodation in rural Ireland. The Irish Times. 2. O'Connor, C. (2021, September 11). 'Migrant accommodation in rural Ireland is like a covert invasion': Protesters. The Irish Times. 3. Migrant influx to Ireland driven by global migration drivers. RTE News. 4. 69% of UK citizens oppose open immigration, poll finds. The Guardian. 5. Riots erupt after migrant attacks in UK towns. The Sun. 6. Protests erupt in Tipperary over plans to house migrants in local hotels. The Irish Times. 7. UK officials argue migrants are needed to fill gaps in service sector labor market. The Irish Times. 8. Discreet and suspicious migrant compounds found in rural Ireland. The Irish Times. 9. Locals had few problems with the Ukrainians, but are concerned about the replacement of Ukrainians with third-world migrants. The Irish Times. 10. The last places for western citizens to go to for safety are rural enclaves, and even now those are being taken away. The Irish Times.