Rise in reports of hate crimes and hate related incidents
ALMOST 800 incidents of hate crimes and hate related incidents were reported in 2025, with 16 per cent coming from the North-Western Region.
According to the latest figures released by An Garda Síochána, 780 incidents were reported nationwide in 2025, a 15 per cent rise rise on the numbers from the previous year (676).
Just under half (49 per cent) of all hate related incidents occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. The three other operational regions recorded were the Eastern Region (20 per cent), the Southern Region (14) and North-Western Region (16). There has been a year-on-year increase in incidents reported in all regions apart from the Southern Region.
Most prevalent motives
Anti-race has remained the most prevalent discriminatory motive, accounting for four out every ten reports, while anti-nationality was the motive for 23 per cent of these reports.
Anti-sexual orientation has remained static at 70 incidents in 2025, though this represents a drop from ten per cent to eight per cent as a proportion of all motives recorded annually.
Hate motives were evident in a variety of other reported criminal incidents. The largest percentage being recorded in public order (32 per cent), minor assaults (16) criminal damage (not by fire) (13), assault causing harm (seven) and murder/ threats (four).
"While we note that these figures do represent an increase in reporting of hate related matters, An Garda Síochána does welcome the fact that more people feel confident to make contact with us and make a report,” stated Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, from the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau (GNCEB).
“It is acknowledged that Hate Crime and Hate Related Incidents are under-reported in Ireland, and this is why we encourage victims and those who witness such incidents to engage with us.
"When a person or group is targeted because of a fundamental characteristic, it has a very deep impact on that individual or group and as such cannot, and should not, be tolerated in Irish society as it tarnishes our values and what we stand for.”
Garda Diversity Officers
An Garda Síochána has continued in its efforts to strengthen their network of Garda Diversity Officers. They support victims and those affected by hate in communities around Ireland.
At present there are over 600 Garda Diversity Officers working across every Garda division, who engage with minority communities and individuals daily, providing them with re-assurance and address issues of concern for them.
“Together we must continue to reject hate and discrimination and consistently remind one another that everyone has a right to live safely and free from prejudice. Incidents of this nature are not, and never will be, acceptable,” added Chief Superintendent Humphries.
"I want to encourage anyone who has experienced an incident or crime which has been motivated by hate, to please come forward and report your experience. An Garda Síochána is committed to upholding the human rights of all, and will support you in any way that we can.”
The Gardaí have a dedicated mechanism to report such incidents via garda.ie. 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.