The Clare Immigrant Support Centre has defended the use of an Inch hotel as emergency accommodation for international protection applicants.
A blockade consisting of a number of tractors and a car remains in place outside Magowna House Hotel where 34 men arrived by bus on Monday night and have since been accommodated in three bungalows on the site of the hotel.
There were discussions between locals and the hotel operator last night, however those manning the protest say they haven’t received enough assurances to stand down their protest.
Local TD’s and Senators are due to hold a video conference call with Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman today to try to resolve the issues.
Locals have been vocal in their opposition to the international protection applicants staying in the hotel which hasn’t been used since 2019, citing the lack of consultation with the community about the arrangement.
Clare Immigrant Support Centre manager Emer O’Connor says that while the accommodation isn’t ideal, it is safer than alternatives which have been seen elsewhere in the country in recent weeks.
Listen to the full interview here:
