Up to thirty refugees have arrived at former hotel in County Leitrim town
Up to thirty refugees have reportedly arrived at the former Abbey Manor Hotel in County Leitrim.
There was a large Garda presence at the hotel this afternoon as 30 refugees arrived by bus to be housed at the former hotel.
It’s believed 30 people have arrived in total and include 10 adults and 20 children.
Dromahair based Labour Party local election candidate, Bernie Linnane appealed for local people to be welcoming to the new arrivals.
“The people have arrived at the hotel this afternoon.
“These people are probably traumatised, disorientated and need time to settle in.
“I hope this will be an end to any protests outside the building now.
“I have been in contact with the management of the hotel to see if they require any support.
“I hope the community will pull together and rally around to show these people how welcoming Leitrim can be.
“Everyone should be treated fairly and I hope we can do that and we can leave people alone to settle into what must seem like a very strange place to them,” said Ms Linnane.
The former hotel in Dromahair had been subject to a failed High Court action by Leitrim County Council to prevent it from being used to house 155 international protection applicants.
However, earlier this week, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys found the proposed use of the Abbey Manor Hotel in Dromahair village, was not unlawful, as alleged by the council, and “can go ahead”.
A spokesperson for Leitrim County Council said, “Leitrim County Council is currently examining the outcome of the court judgement and has no further comment to make at this time.”
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