Places of worship in this country were traditionally guaranteed by well resourced religious institutions. In recent years religious worship has become more diverse and many worshipping communities now exist outside wider hierarchical structures. Their resources are limited.
Access to places of worship is a big challenge and, when found, they are often inadequate. “Freedom of religion” is an empty formula unless people of faith are able to gather to worship under suitable conditions.
In the changing face of religion in Ireland, people of Muslim faith make up a large proportion of regular congregational worshippers. Of the 24 mosques and Islamic prayer rooms in Dublin, three are in the north inner city, the only place in the Republic where they outnumber Catholics.
Other mosques in the area face the same problem of inadequate space, which means that they are forced to multiply weekly services when the norm is for the entire community to gather at the same time
One of these north inner city mosques — Masjid Rahma (Mosque of Mercy) — was previously renting a premises in Temple Lane off Gardiner St, which held 400 worshippers, until the lease was terminated in order to develop the site. This story is typical of the many new faith groups in Ireland.
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When they do succeed in finding a place to worship, the costs are daunting, the tenure is uncertain and often the conditions are inadequate. Other mosques in the area face the same problem of inadequate space, which means that they are forced to multiply weekly services when the norm is for the entire community to gather at the same time.
Masjid Rahma now occupies a former garage which can hold only 70 worshippers. This means that the majority of its community is no longer catered for. Most of its members live in the immediate area. They send their children to the same local schools and they share the same workplaces as their Irish-born neighbours.
This part of the city is no stranger to ethnic diversity. As early as the year 2000 there were 10 ethnic groups in Gardiner Street National School. There are now 30.
This is typical of all migrants from any part of the world and, as they find their way in a new country, these new arrivals will look to religious faith for support
According to official statistics, the population of the Republic is due to increase by one million by 2040. Some of that increase will be due to immigration as the economy offers new opportunities to fill much needed roles and draws the attention of people from other parts of the world in search of better life.
Indeed, they will be doing what so many Irish people have done over the past two centuries. Wherever they went around the world, they drew strength and support from their Catholic faith. This is typical of all migrants from any part of the world and, as they find their way in a new country, these new arrivals will look to religious faith for support.
This pattern is already clear among immigrants who have been living in Ireland for some time. Dublin’s northeast inner city is a preview of Ireland’s future with its rich diversity of religious groups.
There should be no repetition at national level of the indifference shown in the northeast inner city. The changes which we face will lead to dislocation, with potential for conflict, unless they are planned for.
There is a growing public awareness of the need for a different kind of planning than in the past — one which takes into account more than simply the building of houses, though housing is fundamental. The common good requires that everyone has access to what they need to thrive.
For anyone who is part of a faith community, congregational worship is as fundamental to their wellbeing as a school or a hospital
The large isolating housing estates of the past were not grounded in building sustainable communities, and many did real harm to those who lived in them. The National Planning Framework, launched in 2018 and being reviewed currently refers to “spatial planning” whereby housing has to be seen in relation to various facilities such as schools, transport and hospitals. It also refers to care of the environment.
There is no reference in the National Planning Framework to providing space for worship, as part of creating spaces that build and sustain communities. This will be a significant need for the various ethnic and religious groups living in Ireland today and in the years ahead.
For anyone who is part of a faith community, congregational worship is as fundamental to their wellbeing as a school or a hospital. This will call for fundamental change in our attitude to land and its use. After air and water, it is the most valued resource in every society.
The right of speculators to have it their way is about as legitimate as the right of 19th landlords to exact exorbitant rent from impoverished tenants
If it is simply seen as a commodity, instead of a human need, many people will be denied the basic requirements of a dignified life. The prevailing approach to land development, which lends itself too easily to a culture of land speculation, is based on a supposed right to private property, but that right, according to the Constitution, is subject to “the exigencies of the common good”.
The right of speculators to have it their way is about as legitimate as the right of 19th landlords to exact exorbitant rent from impoverished tenants.
Imam Shamsudeen MacSeain of Masjid Rahma on Dorset Lane and Fr Edmond Grace SJ of the Jesuit Community, Gardiner St, Dublin.
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