Roscommon County Council has raised several concerns about the planned extension of Ballaghaderreen's refugee centre. It's concerned about the impact it could have on homes in the area. The Abbeyfield Hotel on the Sligo Road in Ballaghaderreen has been an emergency reception and orientation centre for refugees for the past eight years. Next Week and Company is looking to extend it by 18 bedrooms. The plans also include an AstroTurf pitch and a kids play area.
The council was due to decide on the application on Tuesday but has sought more information. In a letter to Next Week and Company, the council says the AstroTurf pitch and children's play area are close to nearby homes - and could have a bad impact on them. The council wants this issue addressed.
It suggests the AstroTurf pitch and play area be moved to another area, away from these homes. The council also wants to know how many people are living in the refugee centre now - and how many will be living there if the extension goes ahead. The council wants other information also before deciding on whether to grant the proposal planning.
