The Taoiseach has praised the residents in Castlerea who stood back from a local protest after fears it had been hijacked by far right elements.
Locals had planned to march yesterday calling for extra supports ahead of the arrival of International Protection applicants.
A total of 52 international protection applicants are due to be housed in the Riverwalk apartments from June 7th.
Organisers said late last week that they had been forced to suspend the peaceful protest due to fears a more divisive protest group has emerged.
However, members of a group calling itself Castlerea Concerned Community went ahead with another protest yesterday with close to 90 people attending the event.
Attendees claimed there aren't enough resources in Castlerea for over 50 refugees to be accommodated in apartments in the town and expressed fears for people's safety.
Speaking to Shannonside News in Longford yesterday, Taoiseach Simon Harris praised locals for not engaging with those not from the area, who he said 'came to find trouble':
The Taoiseach also stated that the Government are looking at ways to support local communities who are hosting refugees:
