The Immigrant Council of Ireland says there was an 11% increase in reports of racist incidents last year.

The group is today releasing the figures for 2015, as it launches a nationwide anti-racism campaign.

The initiative, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, will see anti-racism ads running in buses, trains, taxis and trams around the country.

The campaign encourages people to report racist incidents.

Brian Killoran of the Immigrant Council says it is important to say something.

Mr Killoran said: “It’s very important that people, in the moment, know that even if they don’t feel like they can intervene, if they feel that intervening might put themselves in danger, that’s understandable.

“But then take the next step after that and go forward and report it, and they can do so confidentially as well. Ours is a confidential service, we’re very aware that some people may want to report things confidentially.”