Mayo councillor condemns fear-mongering 'for political gain'

A planning application has been submitted to Mayo County Council for accommodation for international protection applicants in East Mayo.

Luxor Xcelconnect Solutions Ltd is seeking the green light from the local authority for the change of use of an existing granny flat with overhead gymnasium at Drum, Knock. It is understood that a former B&B on the same site as the proposed development is already providing similar accommodation.

Local councillor John Caulfield does not envisage much local push-back to the proposal.

“There are no complaints whatsoever about what is there already. We have a planning process, so let’s go through that."

The Fianna Fáil councillor said he is galled by some of the vitriol whipped up about similar developments.

“There are a few things unique about Knock. It has the highest number of senior citizens of any town in Ireland. A lot of people in bigger towns have a lot of family in surrounding areas, that is not the case in Knock. You get people from all over the country and beyond who come to retire in Knock. Some of them are vulnerable people and it galls me that they are being preyed on for political gain.

“For me it is the lowest of the low to frighten older people,” he added.

Cllr Caulfield said local Garda statistics show “crime has never been as low in Knock”.