Kilrush residents have expressed opposing views over a new IPAS centre due to come to the town.
It comes as news of a second International Protection Accommodation Centre due to open there in the near future.
Since last week, demonstrations have taken place every evening in Kilrush against the use of the former Central B&B to house up to 27 Male International Protection Applicants.
The protests organised by the ‘Kilrush Says No Group’ have involved marches throughout the town along with placards reading “Protect Our Children” and ” No to unvetted and undocumented males in Kilrush”.
Meanwhile Gardaí continue to investigate at incident of criminal damage at the facility, which occurred on the evening it was announced the building would host Asylum Seekers.
The Kilrush Electoral Area has seen 676 Ukrainian refugees arrive since 2022 and Co-Ordinator of the West Clare Family Resource Centre Mary O’Donoghue fears a large volume of people who have settled here will feel highly unwelcome.
Another group, calling itself the ‘Young People Of Kilrush’ has issued a statement to say the actions of recent days do not represent the people of Kilrush.
According to the most recent Census, Kilrush now has a population of 2,649.
The International Protection Applicants due to arrive would increase the regions demographic by a little more than 1%.
Group Spokesperson Brendan who arrived to Kilrush from Ethiopia as a child says while Kilrush has clear service defictis, he believes the focus should be integrating and harnessing the benefits of new arrivals to the town.
A local business owner meanwhile claims the opening of a new IPAS centre in Kilrush at the site of a former B&B will be another hammer blow to the region’s economy.
The Central on Henry Street had not been open since before Covid, but is now contracted to the state to provide accommodation for the next year at least.
It’s understood ‘overhaul works’ are due to take place at Moneypoint Power Station over the next two weeks, which traditionally would bring an influx of workers to the town and increase bed nights.
Owner of O’Brien’s Bar on Henry Street, Antoinette Lillis says the town is seriously suffering due to the lack of visitor accommodation.
Meanwhile another resident of Kilrush has criticised the lack of communication from the Department of Integration and highlighted the ever pressing demand for health services.
The West Clare town currently has just two full-time doctors serving its population.
Organiser of Kilrush Says No Roy Danaher says they’ve been left completely in the dark.
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