There were scuffles outside the Rackett Hall Hotel in Roscrea this afternoon involving Garda and protestors.
A continuous protest has been placed outside the Hotel since last week when news emerged that 160 asylum seekers are to be housed in the building.
Today an estimated 60 Garda were present to escort a small bus that arrived with asylum seekers.
It is understood that 17 asylum seekers, children and women are now in Rackett Hall with more expected in coming days.
The protestors are unhappy that the town is to lose it’s hotel as the owners Swiftcastle Roscrea Limited intend to use all 40 rooms for asylum seekers while others are concerned that 160 more people in the town will overwhelm local services as there plans for a total of 400 Ukrainian Refugees to be accommodated in the former Convent building – some have already arrived as refurbishment works continue and an estimated 200 asylum seekers are in accommodation at the Sean Ross Abbey site just outside the town.
Concerns for public safety have also been expressed as there is no overnight Garda on duty in Roscrea Garda station and the day service is severely understaffed.
Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath says the presence of the Garda was not necessary.
Government TD Jackie Cahill and Roscrea based councillor Michael Smith are to meet with Minister Roderick O’Gorman tomorrow to outline the need for additional resources for Roscrea.
Garda say one person was arrested today under the Public Order Act and this man has since been released with a file to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
