Local case included in latest garda hate crime statistics

The number of reported hate crimes and hate related incidents is increasing according to a new report published by An Garda Síochána with one local incident included in the latest statistics.

The report has seen the number of Hate Crimes and Hate Related Incidents increase by 15%, rising to 780 in 2025, supporting an increase in reporting of such matters to An Garda Síochána.

One of the cases took place in April 2025, in the Mayo / Roscommon / Longford Division, with the report outlining that "an individual was in a playground with their two children, one of whom had dark skin.  Two teenagers in the playground made animal sounds and used derogatory language relating to the colour of their skin.  Following investigation, two male juveniles were identified and referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, where a caution was administered."

The report also found that a total of 780 Hate Crimes and Hate Related (non-crime) Incidents were recorded in 2025 (up from 676 in 2024).

There was a 15% increase in the number of Hate Crimes and Hate Related (non-crime) Incidents reported to An Garda Síochána compared to 2024.

There were 688 Hate Crimes compared to 592 in 2024. 

The report highlights that there were 92 Hate Related (non-crime) Incidents (84 in 2024) .Anti-race has remained the most prevalent discriminatory motive at 40% of all motives, and has increased from 39% in 2024, while anti-nationality decreased to 23% of all motives, from 25% in 2024.

Anti-sexual orientation has remained static at 70 incidents in 2025, though this represents a drop from 10% to 8% as a proportion of all motives recorded annually.

Once again during 2025, hate motives were evident in a variety of reported criminal incidents. The largest percentage being recorded in public order (32%), minor assaults (16%) criminal damage (not by fire) (13%), assault causing harm (7%) and murder/ threats (4%).

As was the case in the previous three years, just under half (49%) of all Hate Related Incidents occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. There has been a year-on-year increase in incidents reported in all but the Southern Region. The three other operational regions recorded were Eastern Region (20%), Southern Region (14%) and the North-Western Region (16%).

In recognition that Hate Crime and Hate Related Incidents can go unreported for a variety of reasons, An Garda Síochána wishes to advise the public that where they believe they are a victim of a Hate Crime or a Hate Related Incident, that this will be taken seriously and actioned accordingly. If a person witnesses such an incident, they can also report this to An Garda Síochána.

An Garda Síochána has a dedicated mechanism to report such incidents via the Online Hate Crime Reporting Portal. Hate Crimes and Hate Related Incidents can also be reported directly to any Garda Station or via the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.

An Garda Síochána continues in its efforts to strengthen its network of Garda Diversity Officers to support victims and those affected by hate in communities around Ireland.