The Chair of the newly formed Shannon Residents Group says the community ‘wants to be heard’ around plans for a significant emergency accommodation facility in the town.
It’s after it emerged around 300 people are set to be placed in a facility in the Shannon Free Zone before the end of the year under plans from the Department of Integration.
The facility’s been mooted for Shannon for a number of months with more information emerging from the Department over the weekend.
Officials say they’re working with the Office of Public Works to develop proposals to use a state owned property in the Shannon Free Zone to accommodate around 300 refugees and asylum seekers.
They say that ‘engagement’ on the matter is ongoing, and that further details will only be disclosed when designs and a contract with a provider to operate the facility are agreed.
No timeline has been confirmed, but the facility will be ready for use within this calendar year.
Chair of the Shannon Residents Group, Elaine Kingston, believes communication on the matter needs to improve, and a commitment to further resources for the area is needed.
Clare’s Immigrant Support Centre Co-Ordinator says a ‘designated agency’ is now needed to take charge of ever increasing numbers of people applying for international protection here.
Orla Ni Eili believes while supporting individuals coming to Shannon will be a challenge, it can happen successfully with adequate resources.
