Hunger strike by three asylum seekers

Three asylum seekers were yesterday refusing food at a direct provision centre in Co Limerick.

This follows an incident on Thursday when management and staff at the centre in Mount Trenchard, 5km from Foynes, were prevented from entering the centre. Talks were held on Thursday which ended that protest.

However, three residents then embarked on a hunger strike to highlight their grievances.

Thursday’s protesters complained about food and living conditions. They also said they were isolated in Mount Trenchard and could not afford public transport to Limerick. They also have to walk to Foynes — 5km away along the busy N69 — to buy basic items. Limerick city is 43km from the centre.

The protests at Mount Trenchard are part of the national campaign to end direct provision, during which asylum seekers get €19.10 per week and are not allowed to work.

Doras Luimní said some asylum seekers at Mount Trenchard have spent up to 10 years in direct provision, which has isolated them from their own families and children.

They say their isolation at Mount Trenchard causes stress and anxiety.

Matt Cannon of Doras Luimní said: “The type of incidents at Mount Trenchard are not new to the direct provision system and we have dealt with issues at Hanratty’s centre in Limerick city, where we have mediated in residents’ protests. There are larger structural issues which need to be addressed.”

Doras Luimní said they will have ongoing meetings with the centre owners to ensure issues are addressed, and will also insist that an agreement reached on Thursday is upheld.

They were also talking to the three residents who have been refusing to take food.