Borrisokane is role model for refugee assimilation, say Cllrs

The Councillors of Nenagh Municipal District pointed out during their recent monthly meeting that Borrisokane should be held up as a role model for how towns can successfully assimilate refugees.

Cllr Michael O'Meara quoted Shakespeare to illustrate his point. “The people of Borrisokane are a bit like Othello,” he said, “in that they 'have done the state some service'.”

He said 70 refugees arrived in Borrisokane in 2019, most of them families. They came from a number of different countries and were housed in an apartment complex beside the Ballyfinboy River and Ballinderry Road. A public meeting was held prior to their arrival, during which any worries or fears that locals had were discussed.

Cllr Seamus Morris pointed out that the National Party handed out leaflets in the town and tried to encourage dissent, but the local community paid no heed to them.

Cllr O'Meara pointed out that most of the original refugees are still living in the town and have become a part of the community. “Their children are going to school there. They have made friends. They play GAA and soccer. It's good for your heart to see it.”

The councillor added that it was disappointing, therefore, that Borrisokane didn't receive more from this year's Communities Integration Fund from the Council. “They are a shining example of how to welcome and assimilate new arrivals and therefore they deserved more funding.”

Cllr Joe Hannigan recalled that a proper strategy was put in place before the refugees' arrival. “What I see happening now in many other places is the local communities are not brought on board as much as the people of Borrisokane were. This can lead to problems.” Cllr Morris agreed. “You have to keep the far right out of it. Now the government is engaging in risky behaviour by putting refugees in places where they are perhaps not the best fit.”