A delegation of residents from Inch and local representatives is attending a meeting at Clare County Council this morning in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation for international protection applicants at Magowna House Hotel.
It follows the arrival of 34 men by bus to the Inch Hotel last night.
An agreement was reached late last week between the operator at Magowna House and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to host up to 69 international protection applicants there, with a contract in place for twelve months.
However this sparked concern locally, with a community meeting held on Friday hearing concerns from residents over the suitability of the accommodation and a lack of services in the area.
It prompted calls for the decision to be revised, however last night 34 male international protection applicants arrived by bus at the Inch hotel.
A number of local residents subsequently gathered there, and its understood the entrance to the hotel was blocked to prevent further busses from gaining entry.
Only last year, the facility at Magowna had been deemed unsuitable by Clare County Council for the accommodation of Ukrainian families.
What’s been described as a peaceful protest is about to get underway outside Council headquarters in Ennis, which those involved say aims to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and individuals seeking refuge.
They’re also due to meet with local authority representatives to discuss the matter, though the Council has no role in the provision of emergency accommodation at the Inch hotel.
The Tánaiste, meanwhile, says there’s no need for a blockade seen at the mid-Clare hotel overnight.
Micheál Martin says the government and authorities will discuss concerns locals have.
