Letter opposing Islamic Cultural Centre circulating in Carrick-on-Shannon

An anonymous letter opposing the development of an Islamic Cultural Centre in Hartley Business Park was sent to businesses in Carrick-on-Shannon this week.

Councillor Des Guckian said, ''any religious organisation is entitled to open a religious centre. Live, and let live,'' he said.

Local resident Leslie O’Hora, who said the letter was reported to the Gardaí, condemned it as "racist" and said it does not reflect the values of the community.

“This letter is disgraceful and not representative of Carrick-on-Shannon. It was clearly sent by post so people wouldn’t know who they are,” he said.

Mr O’Hora called on the community to stand together against such prejudice, stressing that Carrick-on-Shannon is a welcoming and inclusive town.

The Islamic Cultural Centre is proposed to be located in Hartley Business Park, and supporters of the project highlight its potential to foster greater cultural understanding and enrich the town’s diverse social fabric.

The unsigned letter raises objections to the cultural centre, claiming that it would “bring disrepute to the tourism industry” and discourage both tourists and potential investors from engaging with the town.

It specifically states: “This is to raise awareness among the local businesses concerning the planning application for the Mosque under the guise of an Islamic cultural centre in Leitrim. As we already have a cultural centre, The Dock, funded by the general public and local government, we believe that there is no need for an exclusive one. Local people have already been very tolerant and obliging to receive other religions and cultural practices.”

The gardaí said An Garda Síochána does not comment on third party remarks, and the matter is not currently the subject of a criminal investigation.