The issue of using a hostel in Cashel to provide accommodation for International Protection Applicants was raised in the Dáil this afternoon. Deputy Mattie McGrath called for a full debate on the issue and says 800 applicants per week were turning into a cash stream for what he called “greedy developers.” The Leader of the Rural Independents thanked Ministers O’Gorman and O’Brien for their efforts since the news of plans to house 74 male International Protection Applicants in Cashel was revealed on Nov 2nd. The hostel indicated for the accommodation had been used up to yesterday by Tipperary County Council to provide accommodation to people presenting as homeless in the county.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar responded that community engagement would take place in Cashel and that the Department does not use facilities that are required for homeless services. The Taoiseach also says the Department is now examining the Cashel Town Hostel Plan and will issue an update to Tipperary Oireachtas members when this review is completed.
Minster Roderic O’Gorman who has responsibility for Accommodation for Migrants and Ukrainian refugees is to take questions on the matter in the Dáil at 6.45pm this evening.
Meanwhile the Department of Integration has confirmed that 170 people, mostly male, are to take up residency in a 2nd direct provision centre opening in Rosslare Harbour. Local residents are said to be very angry about the decision as the villagers feel they have already played their part in accommodating asylum seekers.
