Delays to removal of Iran embassy graffiti

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has engaged a contractor to remove graffiti from the wall of the Iranian embassy in Dublin.

The external wall of the embassy in Mount Merrion was daubed with graffiti almost two weeks ago.

Statements included "no more jihad" and "out jihad". There was also a crescent and a Star of David symbol.

Following diplomatic protocol, the embassy put in a request to the Department of Foreign Affairs on August 23rd to have the graffiti removed. The department contacted the local authority, but the graffiti has not yet been removed.

A spokesman for the embassy said the graffiti was upsetting and an eyesore, and they had requested its removal the morning after it appeared. "We would like to see it dealt with as soon as possible," he said. "We have informed the relevant authorities and we expected action. We are waiting for action."

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it contacted the council as soon as it was informed. "We were in touch with them as soon as we got the phone call. The delay is with the council."

However, a spokeswoman for the council said it was not informed about the graffiti until August 29th.

"Our crew went out as soon as we were informed, on the 29th, but they were unable to remove it. We have since engaged a contractor to carry out the work and we expect that to happen within the next couple of days."