The Department of Integration is to continue work at the site of a new tented accommodation centre in Athlone despite a council order to cease. Initial work is well underway 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. In a statement to Shannonside FM news, the Department state that due to further procedural steps and timelines outlined within the legislation used by Councillors, there is no barrier to works continuing on site at this time.
The Department confirmed that they will be progressing with the design and development of the accommodation centre and will continue to engage with the local representatives and community groups. Local councillors have criticised previous engagement from the Department, and last week 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. It's expected that the site will be ready for the first group of approximately 100 people later this month.
