A COMMUNITY has come together to slam “hateful” demonstrations held outside a hotel housing asylum-seekers and refugees in a Dublin suburb.

All three members of the Dail Eireann for the Dublin North-West constituency — Dessie Ellis (Sinn Fein), Paul McAuliffe (Fianna Fail) and Roisin Shortall (Social Democrats) — have also signed a document criticising the protests.

Six Ballymun-Finglas councillors also signed the document.

Last weekend, hundreds of people gathered outside the building in Ballymun, with some heard chanting “get them out” and one person held a sign saying “Ireland is full.”

Government ministers said that they were concerned and “disturbed” by the scenes.

Justice Minister Simon Harris called them a form of “intimidation” and not a protest.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said that the protest “crosses a line.”

Dublin Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy, a native of Ballymun, said that the demonstrations do not represent the views of the community, and said that members of the far right, who were not from the area, were stoking people’s fears.

Ms Conroy is one of the dozen local public representatives who signed the statement on Thursday evening supporting the housing of refugees in Ballymun.

Signatories also include Dublin Gaelic footballer Philly McMahon and the Bohemian Football Club.

The statement said: “We stand in solidarity with the vast majority of the people of Ballymun in opposing the abuse and hatred directed at refugees and asylum-seekers in Ballymun over the last few days.

“Men, women and children, be they residents or newcomers, should not fear for their safety in their homes or on our streets.

“We know that only a small minority of people from the area are taking part, and the abuse is orchestrated by far-right groups.

“The people of Ballymun are generally upset with the ‘protests,’ and they fear that the reputation of this welcoming and diverse community is being tarnished.”