Fury erupts in Monaghan as local politicians demand ‘answers’ from Integration Minister over proposed asylum seeker centre

Local politicians in Monaghan are demanding answers from Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman over contentious plans to open an asylum seeker accommodation centre in Carrickmacross.

Department chiefs have been forced to put “on hold” the opening of the proposed facility on the town’s Main Street owing to a series of non-compliance issues focused chiefly on fire safety requirements.

That, according to a statement released on behalf of the local authority’s executive and elected members of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney District, only came after concerns were raised with Department of Integration chiefs over the building’s suitability.

In response, the Department informed the council plans to open the building as a temporary emergency accommodation centre had been “placed on hold” until all concerns are addressed.

That prompted a special meeting of local politicians to discuss public concerns and what they claim to be a “lack of consultation” from the Department over the proposals.

Local councillors, as a result sought an “urgent” meeting with Mr O’Gorman, local TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and local Oireachtas members and senior local authority officials.

That meeting which was attended by Ms Humphreys, local politicians and council executives last Friday led to a collective statement being issued in which councillors slammed the contrasting level of information which had been provided by the Department.

“This apparently contradictory communication from the Department, in the space of less than a week, does little to inspire public confidence and is totally unacceptable,” read the statement.

“We are determined to ensure complete transparency in the procedures applied in welcoming international protection applicants into our communities.

“Fundamental to this, is ensuring that the accommodation provided meets the required standards. Providers of facilities must be held to account, and greater oversight exercised in the selection of prospective properties.

“Basic humanitarian needs, including fit for purpose accommodation, medical care and education provision must be prioritised in the selection of suitable facilities. Public monies cannot, and must not, be spent on sub-standard facilities.

“Over the coming week, we the elected members of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District, through the offices of our respective parties, shall be seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Roderic O’Gorman and his department officials to provide answers. The current situation cannot continue.”

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