Ophelia: Islamic centre in Dublin opens doors to homeless as storm hits

An Islamic Cultural Centre is opening its doors to the homeless and anyone in need during ex-Hurricane Ophelia.

The centre in Clonskeagh, Dublin, is welcoming neighbours during one of the worst storms to hit Ireland in half a century. Ophelia is expected to pummel the country with sustained winds of more than 50mph and gusts of around 80mph.

Malek Madani, who works in administration at the centre, told The Independent that the building was “open 24 hours for everyone”.

“We provide food and soup,” he said. “It’s the minimum that we can do as humanitarians. We try to contribute along with council organisations, who have helped us with beds, too.”

The category 1 storm, which was a category 3 hurricane over the weekend as it moved over the Atlantic, made landfall in County Kerry early Monday morning.

All schools have been closed for the day, motorists have been warned to keep off the roads and around 1,200 army personnel have been sent to help impacted areas with storm-related contingencies.

The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland wrote on Facebook: “Please stay safe everyone, especially during the times that the storm hits and its aftermath. Check in on your elderly and vulnerable neighbours, bring in your pets and make sure your bins and any other items that can be blown away are secured or brought in.”

Mr Madani said he expected other cultural centres in Dublin to open their doors.

“They are part of society and they should too,” he said. “We never know [who will come during the storm] but we try to do our best.”

Local Aoife O’Riordan wrote on Twitter she had been to the centre several times “Cause they make the best damn schwarma [sic] in south Dublin and they've a lovely wee shop too”.

The Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin has also provided an extra 120 beds during the storm.