Over 400 objections to modular homes in Ballagh'

More than 400 objections have been lodged with Roscommon County Council over plans to house 206 Ukrainian refugees in 47 modular units in Ballaghaderreen.

A significant number of local people were surprised when details of the project emerged two weeks ago in an online news article.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) put forward the plan to Roscommon County Council with Ballaghaderreen one of several towns in the county identified for the installation of the modular units.

A large public meeting will be held at Spells Bar in the town last Wednesday evening to discuss the plans to house refugees in the Little Oaks area.

Local Sinn Féin Cllr Michael Mulligan has criticised the Department of Integration for what he has described as a complete lack of consultation.

“People here are very annoyed. They have more than done their bit here," he said. "People feel overburdened by the hundreds of refugees that have already come into the area and despite all the Government promises we have had no extra services in terms of our doctor, school and our garda station."

Local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane raised the issue with Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman last week.

“I made it clear to him that there are significant concerns in relation to the proposals around capacity and lack of resources,” she said. “I also made it clear that in the case of Ballaghaderreen, it has more than played its part."

Deputy Kerrane said she and Cllr Mulligan have advised local people and “hand-delivered hundreds of submissions” ahead of the council’s feedback to the Department tomorrow.

“I want to commend everyone who has engaged and shared their views on the proposed modular housing developments in Ballaghaderreen, Boyle and Roscommon. This is real people power in action,” she added.

Roscommon County Council was contacted but they said they do not wish to comment on the matter at this time.