Miltown Malbay Residents are raising concerns over the conditions awaiting Asylum Seekers in the West Clare Town.
Over 40 International Protection Applicants are expected to arrive at the Central Hotel in the coming days.
The facility was last used as a direct provision centre in 2020, when the state ultimately intervened to relocate all thirteen inhabitants following concerns addressed over the substandard nature of the property and the area.
The Department of Integration’s latest briefing document states that under the conditions of the contract offered to the new owners Tralpop Ltd, works including repairing roof leaks, repainting, relaying floors and installing new fire doors have all been carried out this year.
However the document also states that each of the 42 residents will have their own lockable bedroom, although the facilities accommodation consists of just 17 rooms varying in size.
A Miltown local believes the information provided is not accurate and that allocating a large quantity of adults unknown to each other in a confined space could lead to conflict.
The Miltown community is also expressing concern over the lack of resources and infrastructure available to new arrivals.
The incoming International Protection Applicants are understood to largely consist of new arrivals and won’t be eligible to work for six months.
This Miltown resident believes the lack of medical services, transport and recreational pursuits will leave the Asylum Seekers trapped in an inhumane boredom.
A newcomer to the West Clare Town says he cannot understand why the government are choosing rural areas for Emergency Accommodation use.
Hassan arrived in Miltown Malbay from Pakistan in 2016 and currently operates a takeaway service in the town.
Hassan, who owns Fresh Kebab on the Main Street says he has been treated like family by the local community ever since he arrived , but does not believe the area is suitable for Asylum seekers.
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