Roscrea protest shows 'government is on the run with immigration policy' - Lowry

Independent Tipperary TD, Michael Lowry addressed Minister Heather Humphries in Dáil Éireann during Leaders’ Questions on Wednesday, where he claimed the Government have ignored the “legitimate concerns” of Roscrea.

Deputy Lowry said said it is “comical politics to close one hotel and open another”, in relation to plans to open a ‘community model hotel’ in the Damer Court Hotel (formerly Grant's) which closed almost 11 years ago and located in Roscrea town centre. 

Earlier this week, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman confirmed that all Government parties were open to exploring funding mechanisms to open a community model hotel on the site.

"Government is on the run with immigration policy and making it up as it goes along", Deputy Lowry said.

Addressing Minister Heather Humphries, Deputy Lowry said: "How many times have we heard Government Ministers state that there should be consultation and communication. In the case of Roscrea there was zero consultation.

"With the current system we are not getting consultation. We are not getting openness and transparency. What we are getting is deals done, contracts signed, shrouded in secrecy until the last minute. This alienates the local community and leads to suspicion and distrust.

"This Government has failed Roscrea on immigration. You neglected to support this town in its time of greatest need. During all of last year you dismissed my real and genuine concerns. You let down the people of Roscrea.

"On four different occasions in the past year, I have raised the subject of immigration policy and lack of strategy. Each time I spoke in this Chamber I illustrated Roscrea as a classic example of a system that is not working.

"A town that was overburdened, overwhelmed and in urgent need of vital services to be improved and supplemented. This Government did not listen. You ignored the legitimate and genuine concerns of the people of Roscrea’ he said.

"The people of Roscrea are compassionate by nature. After assurances of enhanced support networks they accepted without protest a Direct Provision Centre with hundreds of asylum seekers and also a Centre to house 400 Ukrainian Refugees.

"The reality is that this influx accounts for up to 20% of the population of Roscrea. Therefore under any sensible, reasonable, logical or sustainable criteria you would have to conclude that Roscrea had exceeded it’s capacity.

"Roscrea is a traditional rural town. Roscrea is a friendly welcoming place. It’s people have shown great generosity and kindness. It’s a town with an excellent community spirit. A town that has coped with a lot of setbacks and adversity.

"A town that is fighting back through it’s community and voluntary leaders and organisations. I worked closely with these groups. A lot of positive things are happening in Roscrea. Projects have been sanctioned, which will bring enterprise, jobs and stimulate the local economy.

"You, as Minister under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, have sanctioned and funded crucial revitalisation projects. It is rather ironic that while your Department is assisting with the renewal of the town, another Department of State has taken the extraordinary decision to take over the only hotel in the town.

"How can it be acceptable for a Department to be complicit in such action?", Deputy Lowry asked.

"Your flawed immigration policy and Government decision to overburden Roscrea has caused immense damage to the image, the social cohesion and the wellbeing of the town and it’s people. The people of Roscrea feel that they have been taken for granted and it will take a high powered coordinated and managed response to reclaim the shattered confidence of the people of Roscrea.

"The present unacceptable situation in Roscrea was avoidable had you listened, responded and acted to address policing, educational, medical, social and recreational needs of the town. We now have a flurry of face-saving proposals after the damage has already been done.

"Minister I welcome all and every initiative that can be taken to support and assist Roscrea town and it’s people. I have to agree that it is comical politics to close one hotel and buy another one the day after. I have serious reservations about the practicalities of this exercise but in the interest of the town I am prepared to give it consideration.

"Earlier today I received a telephone call from a private individual who is interested in purchasing the property as a hotel subject to substantial grant assistance from Government. We should examine a private purchase or the community option carefully before proceeding", Deputy Lowry said.