Over 300 people attended a public meeting in Athlone last night to express their concerns at plans to extend a local refugee accommodation centre. The meeting, which took place at the Radisson Hotel, heard opposition to ongoing works to expand the site at Lissywollen. The Department of Integration wants to accommodate the refugees at the centre - initially in tents and later in modular units. Local councillors have attempted to stop the plans from going ahead.
The Athlone Stands Together group, which organised last night's meeting, now say they'll take their fight to Dáil Éireann. Speaking to Shannonside News, Athlone resident and group member Debbie McHugh says residents have genuine concerns regarding the expansion:
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