The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland in Clonskeagh, south Dublin, has temporarily closed to the public following an allegedly “deeply troubling” incident said to have occurred last Saturday.
A notice posted to the gates of the centre, which also houses a mosque and a Muslim school, said the campus will remain closed until a full investigation is carried out and robust safety and security protocols are implemented.
The notice said there was an “unprecedented and distressing attack” on the mosque, centre and board members on April 19th that left management with no choice but to temporarily close the centre.
It is understood the incident arose from an internal dispute among the congregation.
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Garda sources say there was an altercation at a meeting in the Islamic centre last week. Gardaí were called and attended the scene. No arrests were made.
There has been no other garda involvement since then, with sources saying the altercation arose from an internal dispute within the community.
“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,” said the notice, signed “management”.
It said this is a “deeply sorrowful moment in the history of our Mosque and Centre”, which has been operating here for 29 years.
“We ask for your continued support and prayers as we work toward recovery and renewal during this difficult time,” it added.
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, who leads a mosque in west Dublin, said he believes the centre is in a “transitional period”.
“We hope that the closure is temporary and that when it does open, hopefully, it will be a place where there is a new administration, new management who will look at the interests of the Muslim community in Dublin,” he said.
Dr Al-Qadri said if new management is put in place at the centre he is “happy to work with them for the betterment of our society, to promote the authentic teaching of Islam, to build bridges and to make sure that the place of worship is one that caters to all the Muslim community”.
The centre serves the majority of the estimated 55,000 Muslim population. It hosts large celebrations and has hosted several high-profile visits and services.
The centre did not respond to queries.
