Reynolds 'concerned' over future of Mayo hotel
MEP candidate, James Reynolds, from The National Party.
A candidate for The National Party in the upcoming European elections has expressed concerns about reported proposals to locate international protection applicants at a hotel in Knock.
James Reynolds attended a public meeting in Knock last Tuesday evening, which was organised by Aontú candidate in Claremorris Paul Lawless. Lawless claimed plans are afoot to house "hundreds of asylum seekers" housed in the former Belmont Hotel, which has been derelict for many years.
Reynolds, who is contesting the Midlands North-West constituency, condemned the Government’s policy on immigrants, characterising it as "a move driven by greed rather than genuine humanitarian concern".
“The proposals to turn empty or disused hotels into centres for asylum seekers are purely to profit a greedy minority,” Reynolds told attendees at the meeting.
Highlighting the community’s "limited capacity to absorb a large influx of asylum seekers", Reynolds pointed out the strain such a move would place on local services.
“The community hasn't the capacity of services to take in that many. We have heard local residents here this evening tell of the difficulties they experience at the moment. Adding a large number of permanent residents will compound the problem. It is unfair on the asylum seekers and it is unfair on the local people,” he stated.
Addressing the broader issue of undocumented asylum seekers, Reynolds called for stricter measures against airlines that transport individuals without proper documentation.
“The airlines who bring in undocumented asylum seekers should be fined, and the asylum seekers should be returned to their country of origin,” he said.
Reynolds reminded attendees that Ireland has "an opt-out clause on asylum policies under the Lisbon Treaty, similar to the UK's opt-out on adopting the single currency under the Maastricht Treaty".
“Ireland is already struggling with limited healthcare, education, and social services. Adding a large number of asylum seekers without proper planning and support will only exacerbate these challenges,” he said.
The National Party candidate urged the Government to reconsider its approach and seek alternative solutions that do not place undue burdens on small communities.
“We need a balanced and community-focused approach to handling asylum seekers. The Government must find solutions that do not disrupt the lives of local residents or strain our limited resources,” he emphasised.
Reynolds concluded his address by calling for unity and collective action among local residents. He said that if he is elected to the European Parliament he will advocate for policies that prioritise the needs and well-being of Irish citizens while ensuring fair and just treatment of asylum seekers.
