64 "vulnerable" asylum seekers are to be housed in an upgraded direct provision centre in Ennis, County Clare. Clare Lodge on Carmody Street will provide the accommodation. It was previously used to provide similar accommodation between 20…
64 "vulnerable" asylum seekers are to be housed in an upgraded direct provision centre in Ennis, County Clare. Clare Lodge on Carmody Street will provide the accommodation. It was previously used to provide similar accommodation between 2002 and 2009.
A 60% increase in the number of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland has prompted the Department to seek additional accommodation, and this facility will be the third in Clare and the fortieth in the country.
Clare Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway, says it’s a necessary development, and one which will receive a warm welcome in Ennis.
Orla Ní Fhéilí of the Clare Immigrant Support Centre says the facilities for independent living will make a phenomenal difference to the people living there.
The centre will be run by Bridgestock Care Ltd., which operates existing centres in Ballyhaunis and Sligo and it’s understood they’ll employ 15 people there.
The Department of Justice said the decision follows a countrywide tendering process.
A delegation of local councillors is due to visit the centre to inspect the facilities and see what supports are in place for the new residents. It is understood the 64 residents - mostly men - will have their own cooking facilities and will move to Clare Lodge in small groups over the coming months.
Mayor of Ennis Johnny Flynn said the town has a long tradition of working with refugees who came there, many through Shannon Airport. He said they want to see how best they can be welcomed and supported to integrate into the local community, through sport, education and other services.
In a statement, Minister of State David Stanton expressed confidence that the people of Ennis would be “warm and welcoming,” saying this would help promote integration between its residents and the local community.
"Council Delegation To Visit New Direct Provision Centre In Ennis"
https://www.clare.fm/news/current_affairs/council-delegation-visit-new-direct-provision-centre-ennis/
"Independent Living At Ennis ..
