Legal action taken by Athlone Councillors against the Lissywollen Refugee Accommodation development will be heard later this month. The case was heard yesterday in the High Court by Mr Justice Richard Humphries as part of the Planning and Environment list. Councillors in the Athlone Municipal area including Frankie Keena, Aengus O'Rourke, John Donlon, Liam McDaniel, Johnny Penrose, Vinny McCormack, Tom Farrell and newly elected TD Kevin Boxer Moran are behind a judicial review with Councillor Paul Hogan named as the plaintiff. The case is being taken against a Ministerial Order by former integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman to construct tented accommodation at the site in Athlone.
Work is almost complete 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. 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. Mr Justice Richard Humphries, granted leave to pursue the review with Mayor of Athlone Frankie Keena stating that the case is to be rapidly progressed and will be heard on the 17th of December. A Go Fund Me appeal to support the case that was set up by local councillors has reached close to €50,000.
