Protests outside former friary in Carlow scheduled to house 50 migrants

A local representatives said the Department of Integration informed her that the contract was signed on Tuesday morning and it is for one year

The former Capuchin Friary building on Dublin St in Co Carlow. Picture: Google Maps

Protesters have gathered outside a premises in Carlow town which is due to accommodate 50 international protection applicants in the coming days.

The Department of Integration informed local representatives and TDs that 50 men are set to be offered shelter at the former Capuchin Friary building on Dublin St in Co Carlow. It is understood the property consists of 15 rooms and the 50 asylum seekers will be accommodated there from Thursday. 

There has been criticism from local representatives, including Fianna Fáil TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, who said services across the county are "stretched." She said the department informed her that the contract was signed on Tuesday morning and the contract is for one year.

In a post on Facebook, she said transparency and effective communication is important and she was only alerted to the news by the department on Tuesday.

She said: “I am extremely disappointed that, once again, department officials have failed to engage with and consult with local authorities and local communities before making these decisions.

“As an elected representative, I appreciate and constantly raise the difficulties regarding the availability and provision of accommodation for all members of our local communities in an ever-challenging environment and will continue to do so,” she said online.

She said she is understanding and aware of the State’s obligations to support and accommodate refugees seeking international protection and safety. However, she said the “news received in Carlow has disappointed and concerned me and no doubt others”.

She said there has been a consistent lack of consultation and communication with local authorities and local communities prior to decision-making.

She added: 

This repeated failure by department officials to be open and transparent with local communities is generating ill feeling in many towns and communities which could be avoided by more transparency.

The Carlow TD said she is concerned that the support mechanisms required for a large number of refugees has not been adequately addressed with local service providers or communities such as local healthcare and education.

Her Facebook post read: “We already have many people waiting for basic GP appointments and other health and educational services, and this, combined with the ability to locally support these large numbers of refugees is a major concern for local people as has been evident in social media comments and by the many telephone calls and messages I have received throughout the day.” 

The Department of Integration has been contacted for comment.

The Carlow Says No group organised the protest overnight, over what they say is a “lack of consultation” with local residents and businesses.

However, another post last night on the account read: “A protest will start from 0930 tomorrow morning. Let's get down and show that Carlow doesn't want migrants dumped in our town only a hundred metres from an all-girls' school.”