Ukrainian refugees 'will be an enormous benefit' to Roscrea

AFTER Roscrea saw recent protests about the decision to accommodate refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, two community leaders have stepped forward this week offering a counter argument to the narrative that Roscrea cannot cope with more people seeking asylum.

Roscrea is known as a friendly and welcoming town and many local people were disappointed by recent protests over the rejuvenation work currently underway at the derelict former Sacred Heart Convent and secondary school, to prepare the building for the arrival of people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Over 400 people seeking emergency asylum will be accommodated in the building, which has a commanding presence over the town and has been derelict for over two decades. The refugees will arrive in stages, with almost 150 due to arrive before the end of the summer.

This week two people known for their work to better their community spoke out against the protests - founder of the Roscrea people and famed author and historian George Cunningham and founder of the Roscrea Community Hub and dedicated local activist, Mike Edwards.

George Cunninham told this newspaper the protest about the proposed or rumoured coming of Ukrainians to the town does not reflect the view of the vast majority of Roscrea people.

“People I have spoken to have welcomed the news about an influx of Ukrainian refugees to our struggling town.

“Indeed any who have the best long term interests in Roscrea will give a hearty welcome to the news. They are very welcome on many fronts”, Mr. Cunningham said.

“We are a welcoming nation and a town that was born on welcoming outsiders, travellers and those seeking shelter.

“Also not so long ago our people sought refuge and new beginnings in many lands. Now it is our turn.

“What a bonus Roscrea would have with a few hundred extra families, bringing skills and expertise to the town”, Mr. Cunningham said.

“I know of at least two town schools who would welcome them with open arms - and what a boost they would give to our struggling town centre - what a host of speciality shops could follow.

“So we say welcome to them”, the founder of the Roscrea People and Parkmore Press told the Tribune.

“Another great benefit would be the repair and restoration of the massive former Convent complex. What an opportunity this presents to stop the decay and transform what was sadly becoming an ugly eyesore overlooking the town.

“Hopefully a full complex will lead to the opening of the grounds and a renewed interest in the mature trees, the heart lung of Roscrea.

“So let us welcome our new guests, many of whom will go on to hopefully remain in Roscrea. We have a proud tradition of welcoming people to our historic town. I have no doubt that that tradition will continue.

“It is up to our politicians to see that we are kept informed and that the necessary services are provided at no loss to the people of the town.

“We need positive leadership on many matters in the town, not least in this modern development which Roscrea so badly needs.

“Ros Cré abu - ar aghaidh linn”, Mr. Cunningham sauid.

Cllrs. Comments at Protest

Mike Edwards, founder of Roscrea's Community Hub said he took issue with the use of the term 'non-national' to refer to individuals or groups of people can be considered dehumanising and potentially racist for several reasons.

“Labelling someone as 'non-national' reduces their identity to a negative or inferior category, emphasising their lack of belonging or exclusion. This term suggests that being a 'National' is the default or desirable status, while others are considered lesser or different”, Mr. Edwards explained.

“Dehumanising language can contribute to prejudice, discrimination, and the marginalisation of certain groups, in a racist context.

“By using the term 'non-national,' individuals or groups are defined by what they are not, rather than who they are - perpetuating an 'us versus them' mentality, reinforcing divisions between people based on nationality.

“It creates an artificial boundary that can foster hostility, misunderstanding, and exclusion, with the commensurate rise in racist rhetoric by those for whom difference from their perceived norm is reason to discriminate”, Mike Edwards said.

“Using the term 'non-National' ignores the individuality, diversity, and unique experiences of the people it refers to. It overlooks their personal stories, backgrounds, and contributions to society.

“Adopting more inclusive language fosters a sense of belonging, acceptance, and equality for everyone, including our own children and relatives here or abroad,” he said.

“While it is true that political failures or perceived failures can contribute to societal discontent, which in turn may create an environment conducive to extremism, it is important to approach this topic with nuance.

“Political failures can erode public trust and confidence in the established political system. When people feel that their voices are not being heard or that their needs and concerns are being neglected, they may become disillusioned with mainstream political parties and institutions.

“This disillusionment can create fertile ground for extremist ideologies that promise radical solutions or claim to represent marginalised groups, an inherent risk when talking about the nature of difference and exclusion or inclusion is one of racism, the term abounds of late 'I’m not racist, But.'

“Extremist movements often exploit these grievances and present themselves as alternatives to the political establishment. They may tap into the frustration, anger, and alienation felt by segments of the population. Factors such as economic inequality, social unrest, cultural tensions, or a lack of effective governance can further amplify these sentiments, this is the case with the ongoing development of emergency accommodation for refugees and or immigration in general. Much of which stems from a failure in Governments policies around services and or housing, with communities facing the brunt of the dearth of services and availability of housing solutions.

“However, it is important to note that extremism is a complex phenomenon influenced by a range of factors, including socio-economic conditions, historical grievances, ideological factors, and more. Political failures alone do not necessarily lead to extremism. Other factors, such as social polarisation, identity politics, and propaganda, can also play significant roles.

“To address the rise of extremism, it is crucial to tackle its root causes, which extend beyond political failures. This includes promoting inclusivity, social cohesion, economic opportunity, and a fair and just society.

"Those elected to represent us must be more mindful of their language and they must develop and understanding and acceptance of the issues faced by the communities they are paid to represent, remember it is you, your political party’s and the administrations you support that have created the shortages of services and housing, not the communities, not the refugees, yet it is these communities that are now suffering” Mike Edwards told the Tribune.