In Ballina on Saturday, a protest was held with several hundreds of people participating, expressing their objections to the proposed housing of families in need of international protection. Earlier, the management of the Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club had come forward with an offer to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, of 33 rooms for the accommodation of these families. Yet, they emphasised the fact that they plan to keep 35 rooms accessible for tourists.
According to the management’s Facebook post, the hotel’s ambition is to evolve into a posh leisure resort for people in the region, uplifting the hospitality standard in North Mayo. The hotel’s proposal came under serious objection via a ‘silent rally’ in the heart of the town, as it meant providing residency to 120 people.
A gathering took place at a trailer outside the designated hotel, which the International Protection Accommodation Service had shortlisted for lodging. Addressing the crowd, Marie Loftus stated her stance against any discriminatory practices. She was concerned about the experiences her children may have to face, as well as the appeal of their hometown to them in the future. She maintained her argument was not driven by racial or ethnic bias. Instead, she expressed concerns about the lack of resources to accommodate the local Irish people, let alone an inflated number of international protection seekers.
One protestor, Alan Flannery, insisted that everyone observe silence during the march, describing the occasion as serious and concerning the welfare of their community. Despite the attendance of local public figures to previous public meetings on this issue, none made an appearance at this rally.
Over the last week, the councillors of Ballina Municipal District have voted to write a letter to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Integration, urging them to abandon the proposal of housing migrants in the hotel.