Just over one fifth of all hate crimes recorded last year occurred in the north west, according to new garda figures.
Most incidents took place in Dublin, at over 44% in 2023, followed by the northwest at 21%, the south at 19% and the east of the country at 16%.
Anti-migrant, anti-nationality and racist sentiments have for the first time become the most prevalent motive for hate crimes.
Hate has emerged as a motive primarily in public order offences but also in minor assaults and criminal damage, with the largest proportion of crimes recorded in Dublin.
Hate crimes and hate incidents are recorded and investigated where it is believed a perpetrator’s hostility or prejudice against any person, community or institution is on the grounds of the victim’s age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender.
The crime has continued to increase over the past two years.
Gardaí said 651 hate crimes and hate-related incidents were reported last year, an increase of 12%.
In 27% of all cases, the motive was racist, followed by anti-nationality at 18% and anti-sexual orientation in 16% of all cases.
It is the first time in the three years that the figures have been recorded that anti-nationality has overtaken anti-sexual orientation, which gardaí believe reflects a growing anti-migrant and anti-immigrant sentiment in the country.
Much of this sentiment is fuelled by far-right activists online and at protests along with disinformation and misinformation deliberately circulated on social media.
The largest number of hate crimes, 27% were public order offences, followed by minor assaults at 16% and criminal damage – not by fire – at 9%.
Gardaí said the emergence of hate as a motive in 3% of the reported criminal damage by fire cases is reflective of the increase in arson attacks on properties, some of which had not been designated for International Protection applicants.
Gardaí said there are now over 500 Garda Diversity Officers working across the country who engage with minority communities and individuals on a daily basis.
Read the full report on www.rte.ie
