Workers Solidarity Movement

On a damp Sunday afternoon hundreds of Dubliners gathered to spell out a clear Refugees Welcome mention on Sandymount strand, opposite the iconic Pigeon House chimneys.

The organisers had said "Let's tell our government that people in Ireland want to extend the Céad Míle Fáilte to the thousands escaping conflicts. European ministers are meeting on Monday 14th September to agree a new programme."

What has struck us in the last few days is the enormous number of people across Ireland taking action independent and ahead of the inadequate government response. From collecting solidarity supplies, to marching in protest to express solidarity with those struggling on the EU borders people have quickly self organised and are creating their own co-ordinated response.

Among the organisations helping to mobilise people yesterday were ActionAid Ireland, Comhlámh, CORI (Conference of Religious in Ireland), Crosscare Migrant Project, Dóchas, Enar Ireland, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Irish Missionary Union, Irish Refugee Council, Mercy International Association, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Oxfam Ireland, Peter McVerry Trust, Trocaire. SIPTU

WORDS: Andrew Flood (Follow Andrew on Twitter )