Mayo hotel no longer considered for IPAS centre

It has been confirmed that a Crossmolina property is no longer being considered as a potential centre for international protection applicants.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Loftus told a meeting of Mayo County Council that he received confirmation on the issue from Minister Dara Calleary. Cllr Loftus explained that the community engagement team at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth had emailed Minister Calleary confirming that the department was no longer considering the hotel.

Cllr Loftus said there had been considerable unease in the locality that the former Dolphin Hotel, which is currently providing emergency accommodation, would become a centre for international protection applicants.

“It has been causing serious rifts in the community with individuals going around frightening people  - and frightening them for no reason,” said Cllr Loftus.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said the homelessness crisis and the lack of adequate emergency accommodation is a failure by the Government.

“We talk about one brother against another and we talk about boycotts and all this hatred that’s out there. The people who are being put up in these homes and hotels are our own people and we need to treat them properly. 

"I do blame the Government, and I’m part of the Government as Michael (Kilcoyne) is always telling me. They are to blame for not putting enough houses in place,” said Cllr Loftus.

Cllr Loftus was informed at the meeting that 20 people are currently being housed in the Dolphin Hotel.