A ministerial order to build a new accommodation centre for up to 1,000 asylum seekers in Athlone is being branded an insult to local government. Initial work has begun on the site at Lissywollen in the town for 100 to 150 tents to be later replaced by modular units. 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 international protection.
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. Mayor of Athlone, Frankie Keena says that he and his fellow councillors are unhappy at the sudden order from the department and lack of local consultation:
Councillor Keena says that the area is already home to over 2,000 IPAS and temporary protection applicants who have been welcomed by the community. This new centre, he fears, will overwhelm local education, health and support services:
