Call for compassion in Achill emergency accommodation debate
A FORMER manager of Achill Tourism has called for compassion in the debate over a plan by the Department of Justice to provide temporary emergency accommodation in Keel.
In a post on his Facebook page, Seán Molloy said: “For more than 150 years Achill people have had to emigrate to find a better life for themselves and their immediate families.
“While the experience may be pleasant and beneficial for most in recent years, there was a time when Irish/Achill people were treated with contempt, indignity and suspicion.
“Nobody from Achill needs to be told of the terrible times that the tatie hookers who travelled to Scotland faced and the terrible tragedies and loss of life associated with that particularly sad part of our history ie the Kirkintilloch disaster and Clew Bay disaster in which a total of 42 teenagers were killed.
“There are not many families from these parts who didn’t rely on the money that was sent back to Achill - myself included.
“Direct provision is a seriously flawed system but until something better is put in place this is the best available option for people fleeing war and death.
“A small number of refugees coming to Achill will not overwhelm the services that we have, after all there are approximately 3,000 extra people on the island during the summer months.
"The root of our the problems we face here in regards to services is due to depopulation. Having some more people here could save our schools, post offices and other services.
“Many of the social posts that I have seen have originated from people and organisations that are not based in Achill.
"I urge people to have compassion for those people that may be joining our community. It is not their fault for the situation they have found themselves in.
“Remember our own emigrants and what they went through to provide better futures for their families."
Achill Councillor Paul McNamara has confirmed that no decision will be made on the provision of temporary emergency accommodation at until the Department of Justice liaises with the local community.
Speaking after a public meetinglast night. he thanked everyone for their cooperation during this time of confusion.
“I will keep everyone posted as soon as I have more information," he added.
A statement issued to Midwest Radio by the Department of Justice stated: "In early September 2018, demand for accommodation exceeded the number of bed spaces available in our accommodation centres.
"As demand continued to rise, the department sought expressions of interest for emergency temporary accommodation which was advertised in the national media in January of this year.
"It should be noted that there are currently 36 emergency accommodation locations all over the country.
"These emergency centres are temporary and short term in nature pending the opening of new centres.
"Emergency accommodation is provided through hotels and guest houses. To protect the identification and privacy of applicants and other guests, we do not publicly identify these premises.
"All State service providers are notified once an applicant is given accommodation - as applicants are provided with a suite of State services while their claim is being legally examined."
Joe Daly, People Before Profit, Mayo, who attended the public meeting, said there was zero consultation with the local community about this planned centre for asylum seekers from the Department of Justice, the Fine Gael Minister of State David Stanton, the Reception and Integration Agency or any other politician from either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil.
He said the vast majority in attendance were genuinely trying to direct their anger and fear at the despicable situation created by the Fine Gael government and the Deptartment of Justice in particular.
Mr. Daly elaborated: “The general consensus of the meeting was that people were not opposed to immigrants or refugees coming into their communities provided they were properly supported and with the services required to integrate them into the local community. Some even suggested using the many empty homes lying idle around the island.
“Many local people spoke about the neglect and decline of Achill Island for decades, due to the savage austerity cuts and deep anger and frustration at being abandoned.
“They do not feel that Achill is suitable or capable of accommodating an immigrant centre. They believe that if they don't block this now it will be forced upon them permanently.
“People Before Profit Mayo condemns the way the government is implementing its Direct Provision strategy repeatedly situating the centres in small, under resourced rural communities without proper consultation in a way that further isolates and exposes the asylum seekers while infuriating the local people.
“We extend our solidarity with the people of Achill Island for the way they have been treated and we believe the best way to oppose the decimation of rural Ireland and end the inhumane direct provision system is to build people powered campaigns against the system which inflicts brutal austerity on rural communities just as it creates the wars and poverty these refugees are fleeing.
“We urge the people of Achill not to allow the sentiment of those opposed to the proposal to divide their community or undermine their compassion for those seeking asylum.
“Working people should not divert anger onto fellow workers, who as builders, doctors and nurses would be part of the solution if we welcome them and allow them to contribute to our society.
"There are over 15,000 empty dwellings in Mayo according to the Census 2016 and these should be opened up to refugees, homeless and people on social housing waiting lists via a large scale compulsory acquisition and refurbishment programme. This would also provide many jobs in rural areas.
"We believe the best way to oppose the decimation of rural Ireland and end the inhumane direct provision system is to build people powered campaigns against the system which inflicts brutal austerity on rural communities just as it creates the wars and poverty which these refugees are fleeing from."