A Clare TD claims a “Dublin Centric” government has failed rural communities by placing Asylum Seekers in under-resourced areas.
It comes as the second IPAS centre in the space of a year is set to open in what state agency Pobal has determined to be Clare’s most deprived urban settlement.
It’s been exactly eight days since news broke that up to 27 International Protection Applicants will be accommodated at The Central B&B in Kilrush.
It will be the second IPAS centre in the town, which is also hosting Asylum Seekers at Corliss House, with both services owned and operated by David English Electrical Rewinds LTD.
Clare’s opposition TD has heavily criticised the decision, pointing to the fact that ‘Urban Kilrush’ has been categorised as an “extremely disadvantaged” area and claims affluent areas have not been allocated a fair share of Asylum Seekers due to failures of a “Dublin Centric Government”.
Daily protests have been organised by the ‘Kilrush Says No’ group and Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne has moved to address controversy after she was pictured holding a sign which read “Put Our Kids Safety First No To Unvetted Males In Kilrush”.
She says she did not write the sign, that she was handed it in “a very complicated situation” where a photograph was taken and insists it was a moment in time and she does not support the narrative of the placard.
The Kilrush Independent TD says there’s understandable anger in the town, as residents cannot access basic services themselves.
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Meanwhile, a Government Minister has acknowledged the challenges facing the people of Kilrush.
Alan Dillon who’s Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Housing and Local Government says while the concerns and frustrations of communities are well-founded, he insists a line has to be drawn on any nuances made about the intentions of Asylum Seekers.
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The Community Engagement Team of the Department of Integration will meet with Kilrush residents in the coming days to discuss local issues.
It’s understood the incoming arrivals will have GP appointments handled in Lisdoonvarna or Limerick as per the IPAS system.
However, for the residents of Kilrush themselves, they remain with just two-full time doctors to service the needs of their almost 2,700 strong population.
Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney believes the impending influx to the local community will further highlight local deficits and says the Government must take appropriate action.
You can listen to the full interview here:
