Large crowd gathers in Ballina over plans to house refugees in local hotel

A large crowd, numbering several hundred, gathered outside the Twin Trees Hotel in Ballina this evening (Friday) for a public assembly following the announcement that 120 International Protection applicants are to be accommodated at the hotel.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has agreed to use 33 of the hotel's bedrooms to accommodate the asylum seekers.

The assembly heard from local residents and townspeople who shared their concerns about the Department's decision and its potential impact on Ballina. Several speakers spoke of their concern over the makeup of the asylum seekers that are to be moved into the hotel and the number of asylum seekers already situated in the Ballina area.

"We want to know who is coming in and we want to know if we are going to be safe," said one speaker Bernie O'Donnell.

"We're here to let you know we're not going to accept any refugees at the Twin Trees. We all have to stand together and not accept this," said Declan Howley.

"This is about people power, it's the only way to do it. Concerned people of Ballina, let's join up once and for all and say we're not accepting this," added Maria Greham.

Fine Gael local election candidate Hugh Rouse said the people of Ballina need to come together to stop the plans for the hotel.

"We're all neighbours, we're all from the town. We need to go through the right channels and not let this get out of control and do it peacefully for the people of Ballina," he said.

Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State Dara Calleary told the crowd he is planning to engage further with the Department and Minister Roderic O'Gorman on the matter.

Fianna Fail councillor Annie May Reape said Ballina is "over capacity" when it comes to refugees and International Protection applicants. 

"I think we've had enough, enough is enough for Ballina. We certainly are over capacity and we do not have the facilities. We don't have the infrastructure, we don't have the medical centres or the schools," she said.

Fine Gael Cllr John O'Hara said there was no consultation with him or other elected members about this.

"We're here tonight to back you all up and pass on your message. Ballina has taken its fair share already," he said.

Independent Cllr Mark Duffy said councillors were only informed of the plan at the 11th hour.

"The first official communication we got on this was yesterday afternoon.

"I find it difficult that we can't look after our people in difficult situations related to housing and we can accommodate people from far away."

The assembly lasted for an hour and a half.