A large portion of the community of Ballinrobe gathered in protest last night following the news that 50 male refugees will move into the town next week.
News broke yesterday that the former JJ Gannon’s Hotel is set to house up to 50 male international protection applicants.
The men are due to arrive on Monday, January 8.
Local Cllr Michal Burke announced the development plans publically on his social media yesterday, having received the information from the Department of Children, equality, Disability, Intergration and Youth on Thursday afternoon.
He stated that he, along with other local Councillors Patsy O’Brien and Damien Ryan, had no say in the decision and that they will “put pressure on Mayo County Council and the HSE to enhance local services to cater for the extra numbers in the town.”
The protest continued overnight, with many locals concerned that the males are not vetted and people will not feel safe in the town not knowing who is moving into their community.
Reporter Tom Carney attended the peaceful protest last night and spoke to a number of people involved.
First, we hear the thoughts of the organiser and local businesswoman Michelle Marie Smith:
Councillor Damien Ryan said that he will stand with the public in solidarity in this situation:
Councillor Patsy O’Brien says that Ballinrobe is strained with resources as it is without a further increase in population:
Tom also spoke to a concerned resident, who asked where the families if these men are in all of this:
Another Ballinrobe resident says that everyone wants to help those in need, but Ballinrobe does not have the resources to help this many people:
