It’s claimed better communication is still needed between Government agencies and members of the local community over the operation of a Direct Provision Centre in Lisdoonvarna.
82 asylum seekers are now being accommodated at the recently opened direct provision centre in the north Clare village, after an additional 30 people arrived at the former King Thomond Hotel this week.
A contract has been agreed to allow The King Thomond Hotel accommodate up to 115 asylum seekers, and so far 82 have taken up residence there, 20 of those children.
It opened as a Direct Provision Centre early last month amid concern and controversy, with locals raising concern over inadequate resources within the village.
Six weeks on, there is a resounding air of hope, both within the walls of the centre, and the community itself.
One of the residents Ruth from Zimbabwe says Lisdoon feels like home.
Maria from Brazil believes she and her daughter will have the life here, that they could never have dreamed of at home.
But there is a general acknowledgment that there are difficulties with the direct provision itself and local Community Group LINKS says communication between Government agencies and the community needs to improve.
LINKS was set up to provide a long term plan for greater social inclusion, not just for asylum seekers but for the community as a whole.
And, Secretary Theresa O’Donoghue says a failure to communicate is causing major stumbling blocks.
Clare FM’s Morning Focus is running a series from Lisdoonvarna this week. You can listen to part one in full here:
