A Clare Independent TD claims it is vital the concerns of the Inch community are taken on board in order to reach a sustainable solution at Magowna House.
Minister Joe O’Brien held a second meeting with a delegation of demonstrators yesterday, where he proposed an independent ‘structured’ mediation process pending the agreement of both the Asylum Seekers and Inch residents.
Its been one exactly month since a cohort of Inch residents commenced protests at the access points to Magowna House.
It followed the arrival of 34 Male International Protections to the rural Mid Clare Hotel without prior community consultation on Monday May 15th.
Locals were of the view their townland was not adequately equipped with the resources or infrastructure to safely and suitably cater for such a population increase.
The demonstrations led to parishioners working in shifts to man a makeshift barricade which remained in place on both approach roads for six days.
However following an initial meeting with Junior Minister Joe O’Brien , the barriers came down while the peaceful protest continued.
Yesterday the Minister reconvened with a delegation of the Inch Community Group where in a bid to finally break the impasse, he proposed an ‘independent ‘structured’ mediation process’ pending the agreement of both the Asylum Seekers and Inch residents.
However Clare Independent TD Violet Anne Wynne says the process can only be successful if the needs of the local community are taken on board.
The Kilrush deputy says residents need assurances that their everyday activities will not be impeded.
Meanwhile the Minister for Integration claims that while the Departmental has learned valued lessons following the delivery of information at Magowna , the turnaround time for any new Clare properties coming on stream as Asylum Seeker Accommodation will be ‘tight’.
Green Party Minister, Joe O’Brien claims that while the situation at Magowna was ‘unusual’, notice periods will inevitably fluctuate due to the severe pressure facing the International Protection Service.
You can listen to the full interview below.
