Gardaí say they have been made aware of concerns in Lisdoonvarna after leaflets were handed out in the North Clare village ahead of the arrival of asylum seekers to a new Direct Provision Centre there.
The leaflet opposes the new centre, claims that the community’s wishes are being ignored and also lists contact details for Clare’s TDs.
On social media, a self styled anti-EU group has claimed responsibility – and the group says it is not connected to anyone in Lisdoonvarna.
Concerns have been expressed by some within the community, however.
A senior Garda Spokesman has said that any concerns or threats will be taken seriously by them, with ongoing policing to be monitored and kept under review.
Clare’s Senator Martin Conway, who is his party’s Justice Spokesman has played down concerns, has given his reaction.
Seperately, the Junior Justice Minister has said he’s sorry for any concerns raised in Lisdoonvarna about the opening of a Direct Provision Centre there.
However, Minister of State David Stanton, who has special responsibility for Equality, Immigration, and Integration, has insisted that the local community could not have been given more notice ahead of the opening of the new facility.
Speaking to Clare FM’s Morning Focus, Minister Stanton said previous cases have seen such centres become a success and he believes that will happen in Lisdoonvarna too.
Hear the full interview below:
https://www.clare.fm/podcasts/immigration-minister-speaks-lisdoonvarna-morning-focus/
