Anger Over Lack Of Community Engagement To Accommodate International Protection Applicants

A Clare Independent TD has hit out over a lack of community engagement ahead of an agreement to provide emergency accommodation for international protection applicants at a hotel on the outskirts of Ennis. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Intergration and Youth has confirmed that Magowna House Hotel in Inch will house up to 69 International Protection Applicants. The resident breakdown will be for male international protection applicants and most will be new arrivals, who are eligible to work from 6 months after their arrival here. The Department says Emergency centres have been opened across the country and these options must be considered to prevent homelessness for the unprecedented numbers of those seeking international protection. Scariff Deputy Michael McNamara has been telling Clare FM's Fiona Cahill that people in the local community have legitimate concerns that should have been addressed prior to the agreement.