Clare County Council says it urged the Department of Justice to consult with locals in Lisdoonvarna before the opening of a centre for asylum seekers in the North Clare village.
The Department has confirmed to Clare FM that the King Thomond Hotel in Lisdoonvarna will house what it calls applicants for international protection from March 5th.
The Council says it was contacted about this only last week, and that it “strongly advised” the Department to consult with the community and elected representatives.
The centre is being opened due to what’s described as significant pressure on the system as it stands.
Orla Ní Éilí from the Clare Immigrant Support Centre says those who will be coming to Lisdoonvarna have had it tough:
You can hear more on this on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, this Thursday morning from 9am, when we’ll have all the reaction from the hotel owner and the local community.
