Mayo group expresses disappointment over Ballinrobe protest

The members of United Against Racism Mayo Branch have issued a statement expressing great disappointment at the protests this weekend outside the proposed international protection centre at JJ Gannon’s Hotel in Ballinrobe.

The statement said while it acknowledged that the treatment of the local community by the Government and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has been disrespectful, it opposes any attempts to block the accommodation of refugees and asylum seekers.

It called on the majority of decent people in Ballinrobe 'to build solidarity with migrants and refugees'.

It continued: "Of all people the Irish have a moral responsibility to help others in desperate need coming to our society today.

"Our members have been involved in campaigns to demand real action by the government on the housing issue for years.

"The housing crisis is the root cause of this anger towards refugees and migrants and can only be solved by building a mass movement on the streets to force the government to deal with it.

"We call on local people in Ballinrobe to join the National Housing and Homelessness Coalition.

"This shameful protest does not represent the views of the majority of members of the Ballinrobe community.

"We stand in solidarity with all who may be feeling unwelcome due to a minority spreading division," it added.