Mayo councillors voice concerns over new plans to house refugees

Elected members of Mayo County Council have tabled a motion requesting that the local authority withdraw all co-operation from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth until "a clear strategy for the housing of refugees" is put in place.

Around 50 people gathered at the offices of the council on Monday to show their concerns over plans to convert property on a country estate in Castlemacgarrett, Claremorris into modular homes for Ukrainian refugees.

In a sign of cross-party support, the proposal was tabled by Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne and seconded by Fianna Fáil Cllr Damian Ryan with amendments proposed by Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn also accepted. Cllr Kilcoyne called for all co-operation to cease immediately between council staff and the Department until such time as an improved strategy is put in place to properly co-ordinate the provision of additional services for the communities hosting refugees. He said the strategy should also reflect equality in numbers across all counties and constituencies.

“This position arises out of the concerns of the people out there,” said Cllr Kilcoyne.

“As a county, we have played our part famously well and it’s the absence of a strategy that has created a problem nationwide,” added Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Flynn lashed out at "cowboys" and "faceless speculators" who have been profiting from the humanitarian crisis and "simply looking at refugees as commodities". He proposed that the legislation stipulating that no planning permission be required for refugee accommodation should be dispensed with.

The motion is to be sent to the Department, Government TDs and other local authorities.

Over 200 people attended the meeting where concerns were flagged over the impact on GP services, local schools and public transport in the Crossboyne area. A public meeting was held in the village on Saturday as concerns were raised about the proposal to build the homes on the Castlemacgarret estate, which has been mainly disused since 2006.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed it has received a proposal for a modular accommodation development at Castlemacgarrett.

The Department said the proposal is among a number being considered and this process is ongoing. The developments are exempt from regular planning rules.

There was previously opposition to a modular housing development in Claremorris town. The 28 units were delivered last year and are occupied by Ukrainian families.

It was recently revealed that Mayo is accommodating 2,916 Ukrainian refugees in short-term accommodation and more than 1,200 international protection applicants from other countries. However, it is believed the true figure is closer to 5,000.

An analysis of the Department’s figures shows there appears to be a higher ratio of Ukrainian refugees housed in counties on the western seaboard. Mayo is second only to Donegal in terms of accommodating International Protection applicants.

“The reality is that we can’t take anymore. It’s as simple as that,” said Claremorris councillor Tom Connolly.

He hit out at Government policy and the Environment Minister Eamon Ryan’s recent comments on the refugee situation. “Eamon Ryan is saying Ireland isn’t full yet. He is trying to save the planet but you have to wonder what planet he is on!” Cllr Connolly said communities and local councillors are being met with a wall of silence.

“We are not consulted we are not told anything. It’s all ‘hush, hush,’ and then just landed on people.” Cllr Connolly attended the meeting at Crossboyne at the weekend. He believes the community would be prepared to welcome Ukrainian families but not single males. However, Cllr Connolly is of the opinion that Castlemacgarrett is not a suitable home for any category of refugees.

“It’s just not suitable. It has been out of commission for 18 years,” said Cllr Connolly.

He expressed concern about access roads to the property and the sewage system in place and stated that it is a listed building.

Cllr Connolly argued that the Claremorris area has not been found wanting when it comes to housing refugees.

“We have taken our share. We have taken in over 300 in Claremorris,” he remarked.

Fellow Claremorris councillor Richard Finn said the buildings listing as a protected structure should quash the proposal. He queried if Mayo County Council have been consulted on the mooted project.

Cllr Finn said he will stand with the community on the issue.

“I understand the concerns of the people in the area. I will stand up for my own people and constituents and will support them no matter what. I am prepared to protest with the people,” he stated.

Two local residents present at yesterday’s meeting and who asked not be named, said the area is not equipped for an influx of refugees and expressed their frustration with the lack of communication.

“There is no transparency, and nobody seems to know what’s going on.”

The department said the proposal is among a number being considered and this process is ongoing. The developments are exempt from regular planning rules.

There was previously opposition to a modular housing in Claremorris town. The 28 units were delivered last year and are occupied by Ukrainian families.

It was recently revealed that Mayo is accommodating 2,916 Ukrainian refugees and over 1,200 international protection applicants from other countries. However, the true figure is believed to be around 5,000. An analysis of the department’s figures shows there appears to be a higher ratio of Ukrainian refugees in counties on the western seaboard. Mayo is second only to Donegal in terms of accommodating international protection applicants.

“The reality is that we can’t take anymore. It’s as simple as that,” Claremorris councillor Tom Connolly said.