The Minister for Equality and Integration has confirmed he doesn’t intend to close the emergency accommodation centre at Magowna House Hotel or rescind the contract.
Minister Roderic O’Gorman has been hosting a video conference call with the county’s Oireachtas representatives this morning, to discuss ongoing local concerns relating to the Inch Hotel.
A blockade consisting of a number of tractors and a car remains in place at the hotel, where 34 men arrived by bus on Monday night and have since been accommodated in three bungalows on the site.
Locals, who’ve raised concern about the location, a fire certificate and sewerage issues, have indicated their intention to continue to man the blockade “until December” if it comes to it.
It’s understood Minister O’Gorman accepted that information-sharing has been poor, but refused to apologise for a lack of consultation.
The Minister has said, however, that he’s open to meeting with residents to discuss concerns.
He’s also reiterated that his and his officials are not currently involved in negotiations with the property owner about reducing the number of international protection applicants residing there.
Issues relating to a fire cert are expected to be resolved in the coming fortnight, and the Minister has said that the main hotel building can be used only for recreational activities and meals in the intervening period.
A return bus service, which is due to operate once a day, is also due to come on stream.
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who was among the county’s Oireachtas TDs to meet virtually with Minister Roderic O’Gorman this morning, has been telling Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill that he isn’t convinced that locals will take much comfort from the answers given today.
Listen to the full interview below
Meanwhile, the Justice Minister says 350 additional beds for asylum seekers will be opened this week.
It follows criticism of the State’s handling of immigrant accommodation, which the Social Democrats has described as “increasingly chaotic”.
Minister Simon Harris says additional funding is being put towards community engagement to help ease tensions like Inch in Clare.
