The Irish Muslim community has announced it is to conduct a nationwide collection at the State's mosques in aid of those affected by the recent floods.
Members of the Irish Muslim community recently came together to form the Irish Muslim Flood Relief Committee.
A meeting was held with the Irish Red Cross (IRC) on December 1st at which members of the committee expressed the desire to assist the IRC appeal, which is seeking to raise €1 million.
IRC flood appeal countertop collection boxes and posters have been placed in Muslim-owned businesses, and a collections were held on Saturday in Grafton Street, Temple Bar, Camden Street and Merrion Square in Dublin.
Collections at two mosques have already taken place over the past two Fridays, and the nationwide collection will take place this Friday. Mosques involved in the collection with include those in Clonskeagh, Co Dublin; Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo; and Cork and Galway.
The committee is also planning to write to embassies of predominantly Muslim countries seeking contributions.
"The aim of the appeal is to give back to Irish society itself. The Red Cross has been very generous in helping after earthquakes in places such as Indonesia and Pakistan, and we feel it's time to give back," Mohammed AlKabour, one of the funding organisers, said.
"With the recession, attitudes have hardened toward immigrants, and its important to show the contribution they can make," Mr AlKabour added.
Last week, the Irish Red Cross estimated it has raised over €300,000 so far for its flood relief operations. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ie or by calling 1850 50 70 70.
The Irish Muslim Flood Relief Committee can be contacted on 01 6729038.