Housing of refugees in community centre is 'inhumane'

The housing of refugees in a community centre in Westport is inhumane, it has been claimed.

Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn told a meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District that there are currently 20 camping beds on the floor of the Quay Community Centre with only one shower. 

“It’s the most unsuitable place for any refugees. If anybody saw the 20 camping beds that are on the floor in that hall, with one shower, it really is a shocking place,” Cllr Flynn said, who called for the centre to be restored to its original purpose. “It was used in an emergency scenario, we shouldn’t be putting people in accommodation like that, it is inhumane and is not acceptable.” 

Independent Cllr Christy Hyland requested that a full report be given regarding the income received for accommodating the refugees at the community centre to date.

“I was told a few months ago that €77,000 was taken in, but when I asked for an updated figure it was €0 since that. It’s not a good message, it creates suspicion, a few months on we should be given an updated figure,” Cllr Hyland said.

Head of the district, Padraic Walsh, said he could not comment on why the figure was not updated.

Cllr Flynn said the Government money must be going to Mayo County Council centrally, rather than the municipal district.

“It is currently a reserve facility for refugees for a period of time. I cannot tell you how long that will be, maybe Tom Gilligan [director of housing] will be able to give you a timeline,” Mr Walsh said.

Cllr Hyland proposed that Mr Gilligan attend the next meeting of the municipal district to give members a full update.

Meanwhile, Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman has been criticised by charities for new proposals to change the way Ukrainian refugees are accommodated in Ireland. Reports in the national media indicate that Minister O’Gorman wants a revised system where new arrivals would spend 90 days in dormitory-style accommodation, after which they would have to find a place to live in the private housing sector.