Local councillor launches scathing criticism over decision to house refugees in Clara

Sinn Fein Councillor, Aoife Masterson has sharply condemned the Government's decision to use Inchmore House in Clara as a 90-day Designated Accommodation Centre, demanding an urgent and comprehensive review of both temporary housing and international accommodation policies.

Beginning later this month a number of Ukrainian people will arrive at the facility in Kilcoursey. The Department of Justice hasn't said how many but added that the figure will fluctuate and Inchmore House can accommodate 230 people.

Cllr Masterson said all local TD's and councillors received an email just last Friday informing them of the decision.

''I believe the Government knows how inappropriate this decision is, and that is why they have tried to bury this story by only notifying people of this on a Friday evening – the Friday of the Tullamore Show and Camogie all Ireland Final. This is only supported by their complete lack of engagement with the community or assessment of the existing service pressures in the area,'' said Cllr Masterson.

''The reality is, people in Clara already can’t access basic services such as GP, dental and mental health supports, while accommodation is already beyond the reach of most. The simple fact is that putting vulnerable people in Clara, a community that is already in dire need of services and supports, will not benefit anyone. For this reason, I and my colleagues in Sinn Féin will not support this, and are calling for an immediate reversal of this decision.''

The Tullamore based councillor says she has written to the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan calling on him to immediately reverse this decision.

She also questioned the millions of euros being spent on these centres. ''It is deeply concerning that a small number of people have become millionaires and in some cases people and companies with no track record have secured lucrative multi-annual contracts.

Meanwhile, despite the extortionate prices being paid for these centres, the people living in them are subjected to often overcrowded and inhumane living conditions.

''It is deeply worrying that it has now come to light that Government awarded a multi million euro contract IPAS accommodation to a company owned by a man currently awaiting sentencing for violent disorder and named by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) as being linked to the Drogheda gang feud and organised crime. Its time for the Government to stop this madness.

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''We desperately need an independent watchdog on Government spending, including a full investigation into the granting of contracts and profiteering in the provision of both temporary and international protection accommodation. However, when Sinn Féin proposed this in March, Deputy Nolan, McCormack, and Clendennan all voted against this.'' she said.

''There needs to be full transparency and accountability in how contracts were secured, how some of those securing contracts came to be deemed suitable, and how the figures paid were agreed upon.

Anything less is simply unacceptable and will only lead to further anger and distress for service users and communities alike.''