Integration Dept Citing Crisis Over Lack Of Communication Over Midlands Refugee Accommodation

Thursday, 9 May 2024 15:52

Westmeath County Council attended a special meeting with the Department today.

It's not possible to consult with midlands communities prior to the opening of refugee accommodation sites.

That's what the Department of Integration's Community Engagement Team told members of Westmeath County Council during a special meeting today.

The Community Engagement Team was criticised by councillors in Westmeath for a lack of communication regarding the moving of refugees and asylum seekers in the county.

References were made to Coole, which took on 98 International Protection Applicants last year, despite having a population of around 200 people.

However, the CET says it can't consult with communities or elected representatives before a centre is open, due to the crisis facing the country's immigration efforts.

The team told the special meeting Westmeath is currently accommodating over 1,500 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection across 25 centres in the county, while seven centres are housing a total of 812 International Protection Applicants.

It also says it accepts the situation is challenging, and it expects it to remain in the short to mid-term.