*Cllr Ian Lynch. Photograph: John Mangan
A KILRUSH representative has labelled the Department of Integration “disingenuous” ahead of the arrival of 23 male asylum seekers to the West Clare town.
As first reported by The Clare Echo, 23 male international protection applicants are to take up residence at Corliss House in Kilrush. The repurposed facility in the heart of Kilrush ““can come into use shortly,” according to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Rhetoric that the building has been repurposed from an office to this new use has been rejected by personnel including Kilrush historian, Dr Paul O’Brien.
A twelve month contract has been issued to the accommodation provider. The property is owned by David English Electrical Rewinds Ltd. This is the first time that the provider has provided accommodation to IPAS. The Centre Management team in IPAS have developed and rolled out a training programme for all centre managers to take part in and this will be offered to the provider.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) said he had a “huge problem” with the IPAS application as he insisted it was not a vacant or derelict property as had been portrayed by the Department, “it was a residence”.
Kilrush based Lynch who is Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD stated, “I am not happy to have 23 people in a building attached to a private property, the narrative around it is disingenuous, why put in that it was a commercial property, we’ve already gone through quite a lot because of the housing department’s decision there, some decisions have been made without the truth”.
A valid fire cert is in place and has been provided to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The conditions on the Fire Cert are in the process of being complied with, the Department has stated. All supporting fire and insurance documentation has been received. As part of the granted fire safety certificate no more than 23 residents shall be accommodated in the centre at one time.
