The Inch Community Group say they remain convinced that Magowna House is ‘totally unsuitable’ for Asylum Seeker accommodation.
It comes despite a decision taken by the group today to remove a locally erected barricade on approach to the Hotel.
Locals were first informed through a briefing document on the 11th of May, of the Department Of Integration’s intention to accommodate International Protection Applicants at the site.
The briefing stated the building could cater for up to 69 Adults, triggering concerns from residents who feel their rural townland is not adeuqautely equipped with the resources or infrastructure to cater for such a population increase.
The following Monday morning 34 Male International Protection Applicants arrived by bus to Magowna House.
In protest, community members erected a makeshift road block on both approach roads in order to prevent the arrival of any further Asylum Seekers without community consultation.
The controversial roadblock received widespread criticism in political circles and in a bid to diffuse tensions , Minister of State at the Department of Integration, Joe O’Brien met with a delegation of protestors where he requested the removal of the blockade on the condition that no additonal asylum seekers will be placed at Magowna for the next four weeks.
The community acceded to the Minister’s request this morning after just six of days of working in shifts to man the barricade.
In a statement released this morning the Inch Community Group confirmed they would continue to peacefully protest on approach roads to Magowna without the blockade in place.
The group have also committed to ending protests outside Magowna House Hotel and its three ancillary bungalows.
The group said while they welcome the engagement of Minister O’Brien they ‘remain convinced the area is totally unsuitable for Asylum Seeker accommodation’
Minister O’Brien welcomed the locals decision to lift the blockade and is due to reconvene with the group next month.
Statement from Inch Community Group
In Response to our meeting with Minister O’Brien on Thursday last;
Our Community Group has decided to continue our peaceful protest at both ends of the Magowna road.
We welcome the engagement with the Minister over the past days, and, for now, we will remove the so-called blockade as he has requested.
We remain convinced that this location is totally unsuitable for the purpose of Asylum Seeker accommodation.
We look forward to further discussions in the coming days.
Inch Community will not protest at Magowna House Hotel.
