Five councillors in Athlone have announced they are taking legal action against the development of refugee accommodation in the town. Cllrs Frankie Keena, Aengus O'Rourke, John Dolan, Paul Hogan and Kevin 'Boxer' Moran released a joint statement today stating their case is based on environmental grounds. In their statement, they say no consultation has been carried out with the local community or with local public representatives.
The Department of Integration wants to accommodate up 1,000 refugees in Lissywollen - initially in tents and later in modular units. The councillors have also launched a fundraising appeal to help with legal costs. At a press briefing in Athlone earlier today, local Councillor Aengus O'Rourke says they have now engaged a legal team:
