Clare’s Fianna Fáíl Senator believes finding common ground will be crucial in bringing the Mogawna House protest to an end.
The demonstration in Inch has now entered its fourth days as local residents remain resolute in their stance to overturn the government’s decision to house 34 International Protection Applicants at the Rural Mid Clare Facility.
Last night Inch Community spokesperson, Agnes O’Malley reaffirmed the position of locals, who remain committed to manning a road block at both access points to the hotel for as long as it takes for the Government to reverse it’s decision.
The blockade was initially erected on Monday in protest to the arrival of 34 Asylum Seekers to Magowna House, as parishioners feel the area is not sufficiently equipped with the infrastructure or resources to suitably and safely accommodate a significant population influx.
Members of Inch community have also hit out over whats been described as a complete lack of government consultation on the matter coupled with concerns relating to the building’s fire certificate and sewerage facilities.
The ongoing protest acted as the catalyst for a virtual meeting between the Minister For Integration, Roderic O’Gorman & Clare’s Oireachtas members, enabling a daily return bus service for the asylum seekers to come on stream as well as a commitment to resolving issues surrounding the fire certificate within a fortnight.
However the Minister stopped short of agreeing to meet residents of Inch in person while reiterating calls for locals to lift the blockade.
Today, however, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he’ll consider travelling to Clare, or send a senior Minister to talk through the concerns with local people in Inch.
Clare’s Fianna Fáíl Senator claims finding common ground is the only way to bring the Magowna House Protests to an end.
Mountshannon native, Timmy Dooley feels protracted demonstrations are not sustainable for the local community.
He fears the issue will be hijacked by radical political groups in the long term .
You can listen to the full interview here.
