Closure of Islamic centre a result of ‘decades of failed leadership'

Irish Examiner

25-04-2025

The temporary closure of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) is a result of 'decades of failed leadership' and 'mismanagement', the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council has claimed.
The centre in Clonskeagh in south Dublin will remain closed until further notice and an investigation and security review takes place following an incident last weekend.
It remained closed for Friday prayer, however, a number of people arrived at the gates of the centre to pray.
A number of gardaí maintained a presence outside the centre throughout Friday.
People gather to pray at the locked gates of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Clonskeagh, Co Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)
In a statement, the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council said the mosque 'fails to represent the diversity of Irish Muslims', and accused it of alienating its community.
'The Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council views the closure of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland not as an isolated incident, but as the culmination of three decades of failed leadership, where personal interests were consistently placed above the needs of the community,' it said on Friday.
'This institution, gifted to the Muslims of Ireland by the Al-Maktoum Foundation, was meant to be a thriving hub of faith, education and unity.
'Instead, it has been stifled by mismanagement, exclusion and a lack of vision, preventing it from ever reaching its true potential.
'For too long, the ICCI has been controlled by individuals who prioritised power over service, division over unity, and stagnation over progress, including elements with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation banned in multiple Arab states for its exploitation of religion for political ends.
'The result? A mosque that fails to represent the diversity of Irish Muslims, an administration that neglects its financial and moral accountability, and a leadership that has alienated the very community it was meant to serve.
'We call upon those previously entrusted with the ICCI's management to put aside personal interests and ego, recognising this is not about individuals but about safeguarding the future of Islam in Ireland.
'In light of longstanding governance failures, we urge them to engage in genuine reconciliation by demonstrating true leadership through voluntarily relinquishing control to allow for necessary renewal.
'We expect their full co-operation with the Al-Maktoum Foundation to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership to a new, representative management body capable of restoring trust and progress for our community.
A notice of temporary closure on the gates of the Islamic Cultural Centre (Brian Lawless/PA)
'The ICCI belongs to the Muslim community, not to any one group. It is time for a fresh start, one built on transparency, unity, and genuine service.'
In a sign posted at the centre's entrance gate, it said there is a temporary closure of the mosque and centre.
'We regret to inform you that, following the deeply troubling incident that took place on April 19 2025 – an unprecedented and distressing attack on our mosque and centre, and members of the board – we have no choice but to temporarily close the mosque and centre to the public,' it said.
'This decision has been made with the utmost concern for the safety and wellbeing of our community, especially the children of the Muslim National School.
'The closure will remain in effect until we are able to: complete a full investigation into the events of April 19; review and implement robust safety and security protocols.
'This is a deeply sorrowful moment in the history of our mosque and centre.
'We ask for your continued support and prayers as we work toward recovery and renewal during this difficult time. Sincerely, management.'