'A city where everyone is welcome' - Protest on The Mall
Waterford City Hall, April 19, 2025.
Dozens of Waterford locals came out for a demonstration on The Mall to advocate for housing for all people.
The demonstration was held outside City Hall and was organised by the Waterford Coalition Against Fascism.
Across the road outside the Menapia Building saw another protest taking place that was attended by figures like anti-immigration activist Philip Dwyer. Attendees at that protest were seen performing what appeared to be Nazi salutes along The Mall.
Coalition member Collette Rockett commented on the housing crisis facing young people in the Déise: "I'm in college and there's people bussing in from different counties because they can't find accommodation. I know young people who would have gone off to college but can't afford it."
She noted: "There's very valid issues out there but I think the important thing is to examine the issue and where it comes from, rather than blaming another group."
Labour Councillor Seamus Ryan said: "I think its important that we all come together and send a strong message to those that might think otherwise [that] Waterford is a city where everyone is welcome, no matter where you come from, there is a welcome in Waterford for you."
Cllr Ryan continued: "Housing in an important issue but it's an issue that faces everybody. It's not the fault of any one group of people that we have a housing situation. I think the only way we can solve that is by working together, everybody together, and try to solve this housing crisis."
The demonstration comes six months after a similar event was held in Ballybricken. At that time, far-right activists held a protest on The Green, but were met with a counter-protest organised by the Coalition.
Attendees at the far-right demonstration were observed and photographed making what appeared to be Nazi salutes as they walked down The Mall. Far-right activist Philip Dwyer attended the demonstration. Dwyer has been affiliated with the far-right National Party, a political party that regularly espouses white supremacist attitudes.
Waterford locals came out on a drizzling Saturday afternoon to rally in solidarity with of all people who are at risk of homelessness and to reject racist narratives about the housing crisis and immigration.
Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) Waterford, Unite the Union, SIPTU, Pride of the Déise and the Waterford Council of Trade Unions were in attendance.
CATU member Killian Mangan commented to the Waterford News and Star: "The government caused the housing crisis due to lack of universal public housing and a focus on housing for profit instead of housing as a right.
"The increased fear and insecurity is left behind in communities because the government are planning to scrap rent pressure zones, which are the only rental protections we have, is causing massive fear which the far-right are taking advantage of."
He added: "Evictions of families in direct provision, which is essentially homeless accommodation by the government, and the cost of it, is helping to legitimize the far-right and their hatred. It's helping them to grow."
Amy O'Riordan, of Pride of the Déise and the Waterford Coalition Against Fascism, spoke to Waterford News and Star about the discrimination that people in the LGBT community face in accessing housing.
She said: "Fascism targets not only ethnic minorities but it also historically, has targeted LGBT community, particularly the trans community so that's why we're here today.
"There's a portion of LGBT youth who are affected by the housing crisis and would make up a portion of the hidden homeless figures because if they're not getting acceptance from their family, a lot of the time they can be kicked out and become homeless service users."
Amy referenced a 2020 report by Focus Ireland that detailed the rise in homelessness among the community, especially among the LGBT youth. The report stated that 'comparatively high numbers of LGBTQI+ Irish people have experienced homelessness compared to the EU average'.
Waterford TD David Cullinane briefly attended the demonstration on The Mall. The appearance came days after the Sinn Féin TD made a comment on social media about the UK Supreme Court's recent decision on the legal definition of women. Deputy Cullinane referred to the decision as 'common sense' but quickly deleted the post and apologised for any offence caused.
Pride of the Déise wrote an open letter in response to Deputy Cullinane's comments, referring to them as 'anti-science' and 'legitimizing discrimination' against trans and intersex people.
On Saturday, Amy said that the Pride of the Déise were "happy to meet" with Deputy Cullinane over the next few weeks to talk about the issue as a community. She said: "We're looking forward to that meeting and to clear up a couple of things and to hopefully get assurances from him and from Sinn Féin as the party, that they will be standing with the community and for the community as well."
Deputy Cullinan was reached for comment.
