Ireland needs to prepare for increasing ethnic diversity in inner city flat complexes, with 27% of those on Dublin City Council's housing waiting list now born outside of Ireland according to a community group.

The Community Action Network (CAN) also quoted statistics that migrants living in social housing are twice as likely as those in private accommodation to be the victim of violent attack or malicious damage.

CAN spokesperson Peter Dorman told a conference today entitled 'Welcome on the Mat', that the issue of social housing allocation could become "increasingly problematic" unless it is prepared for.

He said traditional flat complexes with majority white communities often feel that "we have been here for generations, the strength of the community coming from a feeling that this is our community, our place".

Mr Dorman said this perspective had to be balanced with the perspective of those from a minority ethnic background who need a home, and also the local authority who have to implement housing policy.

Teresa Buczkowska of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, which published research in 2016 on racial attacks, said that diversity is going to become "bigger and bigger" in social housing.

"Things are never going to be the same as they are. It might be challenging for many, many people both the host community and the newcomers" she said.

Ms Buczkowska said that this process needed to be made as smooth as possible with education, integration projects and appropriate policies for people who find themselves in difficulties.