Efforts to establish a refuge centre in the countryside of Limerick have been hindered due to the involvement of Minister for Higher Education, Patrick O’Donovan. The headquarters of the Department of Integration, overseen by Green Party head Roderic O’Gorman, was previously progressing plans to house approximately 35 people in the premises of a disused care home in Tournafulla, situated within Mr O’Donovan’s constituency of Limerick County.
However, objections were brought up by Mr O’Donovan alongside his cabinet colleague and several other elected officials connected with the Department’s team for community engagement. Following issues raised by local authorities, Department representatives have informed politicians earlier this month they seek to “offer greater clarity” ahead of a subsequent update.
Despite the fact no conclusive decision has been made, the centre’s establishment – particularly prior to a general election – seems uncertain. Within the government, rumours suggest this issue has sparked strain, though insiders familiar with Mr O’Gorman dispute these claims, insisting there have been no heated debates.
As the government grapples with finding beds amidst the notable increase in asylum seekers in Ireland, arranging accommodations for them has become a controversial, problematic political matter.
A representative for Mr O’Gorman stated: “Minister O’Donovan put forth the issue with Minister O’Gorman, and other deputies from Limerick have also communicated with the Department’s Community Engagement Team. No final decision has been made regarding the property, pending further examination of the issues put forth.” No comment was received from Mr O’Donovan upon requesting one.
Previously known as Lir Retirement Home, the building is situated at Maughton’s Cross in Tournafulla, to the east of Abbeyfeale and near the Co Cork border.
As Mr O’Gorman’s department intensifies its effort to allocate asylum seekers to state-owned housing, significant progression have been made. Among these plans is the extensive site at Thornton Hall, located in the northern side of Dublin, projected to house in excess of 400 individuals by the month of November, with an additional plan for the allocation of hundreds of beds in the ensuing months.
The leader of the Green Party has vocally expressed the Government’s initiative to reduce its dependence on the private sector, in anticipating a steady influx of asylum seekers in the immediate to moderate future.
It’s understood that the location designated for this proposed initiative was earlier this year submitted amidst seeking accommodation alternatives, put forth by the Department of Integration. During the summer period, more than 30 large structures had been highlighted for potential usage following this initiative, which attracted protests in Coolock against the housing of asylum seekers.