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Athlone Mayor Welcomes Change to Government IPAS Strategy

Friday, 14 March 2025 12:23

New government documents shows IPAS centres won't be opened in certain parts of the country.

Athlone should be included in the mix for future IPAS centres despite its ongoing case in Lissywollen - that's the view of a Westmeath councillor.

Government documents seen by the Irish Times show new asylum seeker accommodation centres won't be opened in certain parts of the country, due to "local and political feedback".

These include several properties in north-inner city Dublin, and hotels in Kerry, Clare, Mayo and Donegal.

More than 18 thousand asylum seekers came to Ireland in 2024, and 15 thousand are expected this year.

The ongoing case against the IPAS centre in Lissywollen in Athlone was also cited alongside a number of cases as slowing down the government's ability to deliver on their strategy.

Fianna Fail Councillor and Athlone Mayor, Frankie Keena says despite the challenges, the town has always played its part:

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