County Councillors in Athlone have issued an order to stop construction works at a new refugee accommodation centre in the town. Initial work has begun on the site at Lissywollen in the town for 100 to 150 tents to be later replaced by modular units as part of plans to house up to 1,000 international protection applicants. According to the order from Minister Roderic O'Gorman, the site will be in addition to the active direct provision centre in the area and is envisioned to house single adult males who are seeking asylum. It's expected that the site will be ready for the first group of approximately 100 people five to six weeks after the works begin. The decision has been met with significant backlash from the local community and political representatives.
Department of Integration Officials have met with local councillors a number of times, seeking to arrive at a 'mutually acceptable condition'. Last week, councillors requested that works be paused onsite until an agreement is reached, with the department refusing the request. At a meeting this morning, Councillors issued an order under Section 31 of the Sanitary Services act 1948, to stop construction on site. The order highlights issues with the plans under three headings; public health, Road infrastructure and public amenities. The order, proposed by Councillor Paul Hogan, will now be issued by the Council Executive and be opened to public submissions before coming before the Minister for Housing and Local Government. Mayor of Athlone, Frankie Keena is urging the public to let the process to take place.
