“Not an Asylum-Seeker Crisis, a Housing-Crisis”

This thesis aims to find the root causes of the recent anti-asylum seeker housing protests in communities across Ireland. Specifically, whether the current housing situation or so-called ‘housing crisis’ is impacting the level of community support for local asylum-seeker housing. It aims to achieve this by answering the research question, ‘What impact does the current housing situation have on the community perception of local asylum-seeker housing in small towns in Ireland?’ The theoretical foundation of this research is Stephan & Stephan’s (1996) integrated threat theory, specifically, the realistic threat theory element. This thesis employs a quantitative cross-sectional survey research of the two towns of Bandon and Clonakilty in West Cork, Ireland. The data was collected using a survey of 100 individuals from each individual town. The data were analysed using hierarchical multivariate regression and several bar and pie charts. The findings indicated that a community’s negative experience and perception of the current housing situation does not impact their level of support for local asylum-seeker housing. However, the current housing situation does manifest in feelings of competition and threat over the local housing supply. Additionally, a perception of threat over financial resources influences the community support for local asylum-seeker housing. The research has two limitations, first, due to only having 200 surveyed individuals and the towns having a similar geographical location. The generalisability of results is limited. Second, the quantitative nature of the research results in less information-rich data. This research is scientifically significant as it is the first substantial investigation into the perception of local asylum-seeker housing in small Irish towns. It is societally significant for Ireland as it addresses the root causes of the recent anti-asylum seeker housing protests. This research proposes two policy recommendations for the Irish government. First, community consultation through informing and information on the allocation of local asylum-seeker housing. Second, a complete overhaul of national housing policy. Through increased affordable social and private housing, rental protections, and improved homelessness support services, as well as increased financial support for disadvantaged areas.