Two men appeared before Portlaose District Court last Friday connected to an alleged plot to blow up a place of worship in Ballybrit, and accommodation centres across the city. They were intercepted in Laois last week, and charged with possession of explosives.
Recordings seized in a cross-border policing operation indicate right-wing militants with no presence in Ireland intended to release a video claiming responsibility for bombing the Galway Mosque, on Old Monivea Road.
“Specifically in the Galway Division, gardaí made direct contact with the imams of the Galway Muslim communities to provide information and support,” said a Garda spokesman.
A major inquiry is now under way to determine how long the alleged plot was in planning, and what role others not before the courts may have played in it.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Ireland, which runs the busy Maryam Mosque, said its members were shocked at what could have been mass casualty, terrorist events across Galway city.
It praised Gardaí for “swift and effective action in preventing what could have been a devastating attack. Their professionalism and vigilance have undoubtedly saved lives, and protected our community from harm.”
Local residents have expressed relief that a potential bombing was prevented, and said they noticed an increase in members of the mosque’s congregation wearing high-viz tabards marshalling worshipers inside for last week’s Friday prayers.
“This is not just an attack on Muslims – it is an attack on the peace and harmony of Ireland,” said Dr Anwar Malik, national president of the Ahmadiyya Association. “We will continue to respond to hate with love and service, and we are deeply grateful to Gardaí for ensuring the safety of all.”
Garda detectives are understood to be investigating the planned attack against Galway as influenced by racist or sectarian motives. The city is home to Ireland’s first purpose-built mosque. Built in 2014, Mosc Mhuire is dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus.
A spokesman said the Garda National Diversity Unit is actively engaging with the Muslim community to address any concerns.
“An Garda Síochána reassures those of an ethnic or minority background, that we are here to keep you safe. We take hate crime very seriously. Every hate crime reported to An Garda Síochána is professionally investigated, and victims supported during the criminal justice process.”
