Protest against asylum provision in Ballinamore

A newly-formed Ballinamore community group has expressed “grave concerns and complete opposition” to a proposal to re-house up to 130 asylum seekers in The Rock Quarter apartment complex in the north Leitrim town.
An initial protest was held outside the complex earlier this week, after a meeting took place to discuss the issue. Locals involved with the group say they will continue their silent protest outside the apartments earmarked for direct provision until their concerns on the matter are listened to at national level.
They are particularly annoyed that there has been no public consultation with the community prior to the decision being made.
The group has now set up a marquee cover, lit a bonfire and has chairs outside the complex, which also has Tesco and Fresh Today among its tenants.
In their statement, the community group stressed that Ballinamore is widely known as “the friendly town”, which had always welcomed visitors and new residents to the area with open arms.
While locals say they are supportive of the Government’s commitment to accommodate refugees, they feel that the proposed resettlement of “such large numbers” in such a small community is “completely disproportionate to the needs of both the asylum seekers and the community at large”.
The Department of Justice was planning to open two new accommodation centres in Ballinamore and in Borrisokane, Co Tipperary.
The department has said: “Any concerns about possible impact on local facilities and services can be comprehensively addressed.”
A spokesperson continued: “Work is underway across Government to ensure full service provision. Information will be provided on all these issues directly to local residents in Ballinamore. Both centres will offer own-door, self-catering accommodation, primarily to families.
“The Department is working with a number of other Government Departments and agencies to make sure that the necessary supports and services are in place in both locations in advance of any arrivals.”
A meeting between representatives of the Ballinamore Community Group and local politicians is planned with department officials for tomorrow (Thursday), October 24.