DUBLIN, Oct. 20, 2025 — Gardaí are investigating a serious sexual assault at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, which is currently being used to house applicants under the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). The incident, reported on Monday morning, involves the alleged rape of a 10‑year‑old Irish girl by a man understood to be an asylum seeker from Africa Daily Express.
The Incident
According to reports, the child was found on the hotel grounds and was immediately taken into care by Tusla, the State’s child protection agency. Gardaí confirmed that a man has been arrested and is being questioned under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. The girl, who had been in State care, was not a resident of the hotel, and investigators are examining how she came to be on the premises Daily Express.
Official Response
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which oversees IPAS, has not yet issued a detailed statement but said it is cooperating fully with Gardaí. Child protection services have stressed that the welfare of the victim is the immediate priority.
Wider Context
The case comes at a time when Ireland’s asylum and refugee accommodation system is under intense public scrutiny. IPAS centres have faced criticism over overcrowding, safety concerns, and transparency in management. Figures released earlier this year showed 55 critical incidents in IPAS facilities in 2024, including cases of violence and self‑harm RTÉ.
Human rights groups and refugee advocates have urged the public to treat this case as an isolated criminal investigation, warning against stigmatising asylum seekers as a whole. They emphasise that the majority of people in the system are fleeing conflict and persecution and should not be collectively judged by the actions of individuals.
Next Steps
The investigation remains ongoing, with Gardaí expected to conduct forensic examinations and review CCTV footage from the hotel. The suspect may face charges once questioning concludes.
Summary: Gardaí are investigating the alleged rape of a 10‑year‑old girl at a Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers. A male asylum seeker has been arrested, and the child is in Tusla’s care. The case has intensified scrutiny of Ireland’s asylum system, though officials and rights groups stress it must be treated as an isolated incident.
Irish Police Officers Picture by BScar23625
Sources: Express UK Daily Express; RTÉ News RTÉ; Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
