A peaceful protest concerning the planned housing of refugees in Castlerea has been called off. The march was due to take place on Sunday afternoon but organisers say it will not now go ahead. It was organised following news this week that the Department of Integration plans to house International Protection applicants at the Riverwalk apartment complex in the town. The protest which was planned to take place from the Arm Road area of Castlerea has now been suspended by organisers.
A spokesperson for protestors blamed the emergence of a separate group, whom he said, had promoted fear and division. He said it was important to clarify the majority of people in Castlerea neither condone nor associate with any form of racism or threats. It comes after protestors on Tuesday night threatened to set up an encampment at the proposed accommodation site. The spokesperson said that Castlerea had embraced diversity, and that newcomers were made feel welcome in the town.
He added that the town requires additional infrastructure to accommodate a large group of residents, regardless of their background. Concluding, the spokesperson said the decision to postpone was a difficult one but the people of Castlerea refused to witness a repetition of the unrest experienced in other parts of the country. Instead, he said, the group would entrust local politicians with the responsibility of conveying its concerns to the Government. He concluded by imploring public representatives to seek factual evidence and advocate for responsible decision-making on behalf of the Castlerea community.
