IRELAND: Civicus Monitor Update – October 2026
This alert originally appeared on CIVICUS Monitor
Introduction
Ireland continues to provide a generally positive environment for civil society organisations (CSOs), with no evidence of any fundamental change from previous years. While civic space in Ireland is rated “open” by the CIVICUS Monitor, developments during late 2025 and 2026 highlight challenges relating to barriers to civil society participation and access to funding, the policing of protests, worrying new legislative reforms and the expansion of police powers, as well as the financing of public service media.
Freedom of Association
Barriers to civil society participation and funding
CSOs continue to report inconsistent opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making. In its 2026 report to the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) raised concerns about insufficient opportunities for civil society participation, rushed legislative processes and limited parliamentary scrutiny. It noted that consultations are frequently marked by short deadlines and limited opportunities to contribute, and that they are often perceived as tick-box exercises rather than genuine opportunities to influence policy.
The report also highlighted anti-rights discourse, misinformation and disinformation, which it said can undermine the safety of human rights defenders (HRDs) and discourage critical civil society advocacy. It further pointed to a growing trend of anti-gender discourse and hate directed at organisations advocating for gender equality, as well as persistent underfunding of CSOs working in that area.
Irish CSOs also continue to face legal obstacles to accessing funding. Under the Electoral Act 1997, a ban on funding for “political purposes” has been interpreted as extending to donations to civil society organisations, effectively prohibiting them from accepting overseas funds for advocacy work. The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report found that Ireland has made limited progress in addressing these obstacles. Civil society has called for reform of the Act, arguing that it undermines organisations’ ability to fund advocacy and take part in public debate. The restrictions particularly affect groups working on human rights, equality, environmental protection and public accountability, which often challenge government decisions.
Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
Concerns about protest policing and police accountability
The Irish Network of Legal Observers published its first report on protest policing in April 2026, based on observations made during 2025. It found that most of the protests observed were policed largely in line with human rights standards. It nevertheless identified concerns about members of the Gardaí (National Police of Ireland) not wearing identification badges, insufficient awareness of human rights standards among officers, and the need for greater accountability and scrutiny of police conduct at demonstrations.
In February 2026, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of association and peaceful assembly and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment raised concerns about the Gardaí’s acquisition and use of less lethal weapons for crowd control and protest management. These included the purchase of double-strength pepper spray and a pilot project using Conductive Energy Devices (CEDs), commonly known as tasers. The experts said the double-strength pepper spray was reportedly used against peaceful Palestine solidarity protesters during a demonstration in Dublin in October 2025, along with other forms of excessive force, resulting in a number of injuries. The Gardaí and the Minister for Justice defended the use of incapacitant spray and other less lethal weapons.
On 14th June 2026, the Gardaí announced a six-month extension of the taser pilot and plans to expand it to the Limerick division in the coming months. Civil society organisations (CSOs) and legal experts expressed serious concern about introducing tasers into frontline policing in Ireland. They said the Gardaí are required to operate in accordance with human rights standards, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, and that any expansion of police powers must therefore be backed by evidence that the measures are necessary, proportionate and subject to adequate safeguards. They also said the limited information available on the use of tasers during the pilot raised questions about the evidence supporting their introduction and whether their use is necessary in Irish policing.
Legislative expansion of police powers over face coverings
On 2nd July 2026, the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was passed by the Oireachtas (National Parliament). The legislation includes provisions allowing the Gardaí to compel people to remove face coverings, and giving the Irish Defence Forces powers to use force against the public under the framework known as “aid to the civil power”. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) expressed serious concerns about the provisions. It said the face-covering powers may affect protesters who cover their faces for reasons including privacy and protection from surveillance, and risk creating a chilling effect on peaceful assembly and expression. The extension of the Defence Forces’ powers also raises questions about the appropriate limits of military involvement in civilian law enforcement and about the safeguards governing the use of force.
The face-covering provisions were particularly controversial because they were introduced as amendments only on the day of the final Seanad (upper house) debate, after the pre-legislative process and the Dáil (lower house) debate had been completed. The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, had indicated that the legislation would give the Gardaí such powers, but the specific wording was published only at this late stage.
Fuel price protests bring disruption; army called in to assist Gardaí
In April 2026, farmers, agricultural contractors and hauliers staged nationwide protests over rising fuel prices, causing substantial disruption. They organised slow-moving convoys and blockades of major roads, fuel depots, ports and the Whitegate oil refinery in County Cork. Demonstrators cited increases of around 28% in diesel prices and 25% in petrol prices following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The blockades disrupted fuel supplies and transport, with around 40% of petrol stations reportedly running out of fuel one weekend.
On 9th April, the Minister for Justice announced that the Defence Forces had been called in to help the Gardaí remove trucks from blockaded fuel depots and other critical infrastructure. The ICCL criticised the response as disproportionate and questioned its compatibility with the right to peaceful protest. The Gardaí arrested protesters at several sites and announced plans to forcibly remove obstructive drivers, detain them and tow their vehicles. Large numbers of officers were deployed to clear blockades in Dublin, Galway port and Cork. At Whitegate, clashes between police and protesters were reported. Police used pepper spray, and protesters said a 14-year-old boy was affected by its use in an enclosed space.
On 12th April, the government announced a €505 million support package, including fuel duty reductions and postponement of a planned carbon tax, while urging protesters to negotiate through representative groups.
The largest opposition party, Sinn Féin, then tabled a motion of no confidence in the government due to its handling of the protests. The government responded with a confidence motion, which it won by 92 votes to 78 on 14th April 2026.
Anti-immigration protests turn violent outside Dublin asylum accommodation
On 21st and 22nd October 2025, anti-immigration protests outside the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, Dublin, which houses asylum seekers, escalated into violent unrest. The unrest followed reports that a 10-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted near the hotel. A 26-year-old man, reportedly an asylum seeker, was charged in connection with the alleged assault.
Protesters clashed with police, throwing bricks, fireworks and glass bottles and setting vehicles ablaze. Four officers were injured. At least 24 people, including five juveniles, were arrested for public order offences. The Gardaí deployed public order units, mounted and dog teams, air support and a water cannon, and said they would maintain a heightened presence at the site.
The unrest occurred amid growing anti-immigration sentiment in Ireland, with far-right groups using social media to mobilise protests outside accommodation centres for asylum seekers and refugees. The government condemned the violence and warned against exploiting the alleged crime to incite division.
Protests against EU migration pact
On 10th June 2026, several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators marched through Dublin to Leinster House to oppose the EU migration pact, which was due to take effect on 12th June. Two days earlier, a knife attack in North Belfast had sparked widespread anti-immigration protests and days of violent riots across Northern Ireland.
Several organisers of the April fuel protests addressed the Dublin crowd, urging unity against the pact. The march brought traffic to a standstill on O’Connell Street and College Green and disrupted public transport. The Gardaí cordoned off a large area around Leinster House and deployed their Public Order Unit. Demonstrators pushed over some barricades, and officers formed a line to contain the crowd.
A further anti-immigration rally against the pact took place in Dublin city centre on 27th June 2026. Billed as a “national rally”, it began at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square, crossed O’Connell Bridge and returned along O’Connell Street. Far-right independent Dublin city councillor Malachy Steenson, who helped organise the rally, addressed the crowd. Other independent councillors attended, and banners for the far-right National Party were displayed. RTÉ estimated that several hundred protesters attended.
Tens of thousands attend Dublin Pride, far outnumbering anti-immigration rally
On 27th June 2026, the same day as the anti-immigration rally, tens of thousands of people took part in the annual Dublin Pride Parade, with some estimates placing attendance at about 100,000. The parade celebrated LGBTQ+ rights, diversity and inclusion under the theme “One Story – Many Voices”. It began on O’Connell Street and proceeded towards Merrion Square.
Traffic restrictions were imposed across parts of the city centre, and no incidents were reported between participants in the two events.
Thousands join national Palestine solidarity march in Dublin
Large-scale Palestine solidarity demonstrations continued in 2026. On 10th October 2026, more than 10,000 people took part in a national Palestine solidarity protest in Dublin organised by the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and supported by more than 160 Irish civil society groups. It was the 21st national demonstration since October 2023. The march went from the Garden of Remembrance towards the Dáil.
Speakers included campaign chair Zoë Lawlor and Palestinian human rights activist Talha Al Ali. Lawlor criticised the government for failing to act, arguing that the ceasefire in Gaza remained ineffective and that Israel continued to restrict humanitarian aid.
Around 300,000 public sector workers strike for first time since 2009
On 14th October 2026, around 300,000 public sector workers, including teachers, healthcare workers and civil servants, staged a nationwide one-day strike over a deadlock in pay negotiations. It was the first major public sector strike since 2009. It disrupted hospitals and public services, with thousands of medical procedures cancelled, while emergency departments stayed open and fire and ambulance services ran reduced schedules.
Unions called for pay rises that outpaced inflation, citing rising living costs, while the government rejected their conditions for negotiations. The dispute came despite Ireland’s strong economic performance, with workers arguing that rising prices had eroded their earnings.
On 16th October, unions suspended a second day of strikes planned for the following week after agreeing to mediated discussions with the government on the terms for formal pay negotiations. Union representatives said there were grounds for cautious optimism but stressed that progress would depend on the government’s actions.
Freedom of Expression
Ireland holds seventh place in RSF press freedom ranking
Ireland has ranked seventh in the world for press freedom in Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) 2026 World Press Freedom Index, unchanged from last year.
RSF described the overall climate for press freedom in Ireland as positive, with journalists able to work freely and without interference. It said media ownership, historically highly concentrated, has become more pluralistic in recent years, following businessman Denis O’Brien’s sale of shares in Independent News & Media in 2019 and Communicorp in 2021.
However, RSF noted continuing concerns over the future funding of the media, including public service broadcaster RTÉ. It said the government has yet to take decisive steps to reform funding mechanisms, and that regional newspapers in particular face major financial difficulties.
RSF also pointed to restrictions on journalists’ access to police sources under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, and to concerns about online attacks on journalists.
Government cut to RTÉ funding draws criticism from journalists’ union
On 7th October 2026, Irish public broadcaster RTÉ reported that the Minister for Media had confirmed a reduction in its anticipated 2027 funding from €260 million to €240 million, despite a previously announced three-year funding agreement worth €725 million.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) strongly condemned the decision. Its General Secretary, Laura Davison, said the move “exposed the government’s failure to meet its commitment to guarantee a well-funded and independent national broadcaster in Ireland”.
The following day, after a meeting between the media minister, Patrick O’Donovan TD, RTÉ chair Terence O’Rourke and RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and RTÉ said they would “continue to engage constructively on all the issues discussed over the next few weeks”.
The NUJ welcomed the talks as a positive step. It also welcomed the intervention of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which expressed disappointment at the proposed cut to RTÉ’s funding and at the freezing of funding for the Irish-language public service broadcaster TG4 for the coming year.
Defamation and anti-SLAPP reforms
The Defamation Act 2026 was amended on 19th February 2026, introducing several changes relevant to journalists, activists and CSOs. The reforms include the abolition of juries in High Court defamation actions, a revised defence of fair publication on matters of public interest, a serious-harm test for defamation claims brought by corporate bodies, and changes to the resolution of disputes. While the changes improve the legal framework for public interest journalism and the safety of journalists, and reduce some of the procedural burdens of defamation proceedings, they do not eliminate the risk that legal action is used to silence criticism or to target activists, journalists or human rights defenders (HRDs).
The government has also advanced separate legislation to address strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). The legislation is significant for journalists, human rights defenders (HRDs), activists and civil society organisations (CSOs), who may face legal action in response to investigations, criticism or advocacy.
The General Scheme of the Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) Bill was published on 11th February 2026. The Bill seeks to complete the transposition of the European Union’s SLAPP Directive, which was partially transposed in relation to defamation actions by the Defamation (Amendment) Act 2026. It goes further than the Directive in that it does not require a cross-border element: according to the General Scheme, its safeguards will apply to both domestic and cross-border proceedings.
The proposal includes safeguards intended to prevent abusive proceedings. These would enable the courts to dismiss abusive claims at an early stage, award full legal costs against plaintiffs and order security for costs and damages, and allow the targets of such lawsuits to seek damages themselves. In line with the Directive, the Bill would also prevent Irish courts from recognising abusive claims originating outside the EU.
The Bill was presented to the Dáil on 1st July 2026 and, as of October 2026, is at committee stage.
New research report reveals surveillance of journalists
On 20th August 2026, new research on crime and security journalism in Ireland raised concerns about practices of the Gardaí and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) affecting journalists’ confidential sources. The study, titled “The Role of Crime and Security Journalism in Irish Democracy”, was co-authored by Dr Cian Ó Concubhair of Maynooth University School of Law and Criminology and Glory Anumudu. It was conducted in partnership with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and drew on interviews with 23 journalists in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The study found that police routinely questioned journalists to identify confidential sources. Journalists also said they had witnessed police surveillance of journalists, and several said they had been subjected to it themselves.
Dublin City Council criticised over ban on protest posters
In September 2026, Dublin City Council faced criticism for banning posters advertising a protest against US President Donald Trump and his visit to Ireland. During the visit, Trump was scheduled to meet President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The ICCL and others criticised the decision, saying it raised questions about freedom of expression and protest-related signage in public spaces in the capital.
NUJ criticises media minister’s call for review of fuel protest coverage
On 13th April 2026, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) criticised Irish Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan for calling on the independent media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, to review coverage of nationwide fuel protests due to what he alleged to be bias by RTÉ and other media outlets. The NUJ described the demand as “sinister and deeply disturbing”, warning that it risked undermining editorial independence and putting pressure on journalists. The union also raised concerns about verbal and physical abuse directed at journalists by some protesters.
On 14th April, the NUJ welcomed the rejection of the proposed formal review by Tánaiste Simon Harris, who said media regulation was a matter for the independent regulator. Harris acknowledged that journalists had worked under difficult circumstances during the protests and described Ireland’s media as robust and fair. The NUJ called on O’Donovan to reflect on his remarks and reaffirm his respect for independent journalism.
Freelance journalist threatened after reporting on fuel blockade leader
In April 2026, freelance journalist Darragh McDonagh faced online abuse and threats after reporting on James Geoghegan, a prominent figure in Ireland’s nationwide fuel protests. According to McDonagh’s reporting, Geoghegan’s background includes six tax judgments totalling more than €500,000 and previous convictions for animal cruelty. The threats included references to McDonagh’s wife and a threat to publicly share the journalist’s home address.
McDonagh reported the threats against his family to the police, saying in a social media post that intimidation of journalists undermined democracy and that the targeting of his family members had crossed a line. He also reported an abusive post on X (formerly Twitter) that falsely accused him of serious crimes. The platform later told him the post did not breach its rules on hateful conduct, abuse and harassment.