Concerns have been raised in a town in Co Westmeath after 150 asylum seekers were transferred “without consultation” to a 45-bedroom hotel.
arry’s of Kinnegad is now used for emergency shelter by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
Labor councilor Denis Leonard described the decision as unsuitable for the Kinnegad community and claimed the city council was not informed in advance.
The Irish Refugee Council, meanwhile, said it was concerned about “deteriorating conditions and standards” within accommodation for IPAS applicants across Ireland.
In a letter to Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Mr Leonard called for the group to be moved to a “more suitable location”.
“We are a very small city with very limited community facilities, no indoor sports building, no library, no community buildings, no adult education facilities and a small urban park,” he said.
“In addition, the pressure comes from the fact that there is nothing to do for 150 men who do not work and organize activities in the hotel.”
Leonard also claimed that a number of people left the hotel at short notice last week.
“This arrangement is not suitable for the local community, nor for the men who moved overnight,” he said.
“The hotel had housed many foreign workers in recent months. These men never caused any problems in the community. They were asked to leave the hotel without warning or consultation to accommodate this large group.
“The newcomers constantly complain about the lack of food, facilities and intimidation by certain members within their own group.”
He urged the government to act “immediately” on the matter.
“There needs to be a more suitable location for a group of this size to be facilitated in a more appropriate and humane way,” he added.
Irish Refugee Council CEO Nick Henderson said it was a “challenging situation”.
“We are concerned about the deteriorating conditions and standards within housing for IPAS applicants.
“We have communicated that and will continue to communicate that with the government,” he said.
“There should also be support and communication with communities that welcome people.
“In our experience, communities across Ireland have been at the forefront of welcoming protection applicants over the past 20 years and we hope this continues to happen.”
In a response to questions, the Ministry of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said accommodation should be used across the country due to an “unprecedented demand”.
“Harry’s of Kinnegad has recently been commissioned by the International Protection Accommodation Service to provide such emergency shelter.
“The hotel can accommodate approximately 150 applicants for international protection. IPAS officers are working closely with all temporary emergency shelter providers regarding the services that will be required by applicants for international protection.”
The hotel’s website states that it has 45 rooms.
The Irish independent contacted Harry’s of Kinnegad for comment.