19% of hate crimes occur in Southern region

ALMOST 20% of hate crimes and hate-related (non-crime) incidents that occurred last year happened in the Southern region, according to newly-released Garda statistics.

The figures show that, nationally 651 hate crimes and hate-related (non-crime) incidents were recorded in 2023; 548 of which were hate crimes and 103 of which were hate-related (non-crime) incidents.

The largest share of recorded incidents (44%) occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Area, followed by 21% in the North-Western region, 19% in the Southern region, and 16% in the East.

In one case, a victim in the Southern region was threatened with a knife and he was verbally abused with homophobic slurs.

Gardaí said that one man in his 40s was later convicted and sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment.

The three most common motives recorded were anti-race, which accounted for 36% of incidents nationwide, followed by anti-nationality at 18%, and anti-sexual-orientation at 16%.

The largest percentage of incident types recorded were in public order (27%), minor assaults (16%), criminal damage not by fire (9%), and criminal damage by fire (3%).

Chief Superintendent (Community Engagement) Padraic Jones said the latest figures indicate a further increase in the reporting of hate crime in Ireland.

“It is positive that victims are coming forward and speaking with An Garda Síochána about their experience of a crime motivated by hate, but it is disappointing that incidents of this nature occur at all,” he said.

“Being targeted because of a characteristic has an enormous and often life-altering impact on a victim, and as a society we must continue to reject hate and discrimination.”

He appealed to anyone who has experienced or observed prejudice to come forward and report those incidents to the Gardaí.