Plans to house 50 asylum seekers in a hotel in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, have been cancelled, according to a local Fine Gael councillor. 

Yesterday at 2pm, Cllr Michael Burke announced JJ Gannon's Hotel, a vacant property since 2012, would accommodate the asylum seekers from next Monday. 

By the evening, a large group had organised outside the property protesting the plan. 

This morning, Cllr Burke said the property owner had decided to withdraw the lease following discussions.

“I am delighted with this announcement and it's a good result for all the people that turned out last night,” he said.

The Department of Integration has said it is "continuing to engage with the provider in relation to the premises in Ballinrobe".

Property in Ballinrobe

In a letter sent from the Department released by Cllr Burke, the lease in JJ Gannon's would last one year and accommodate 50 male asylum seekers.

The Department reported there has been an average of 560 people seeking accommodation every week in the last six months. 

It noted there was a “requirement to act with pace” in sourcing accommodation. It also said its “aim is to enhance communication” with local communities. 

A total of 500 new male international protection applicants have presented to the International Protection Office since Monday, December 4th. 

Asylum seekers accommodation

According to the latest figures from the Department, 376 recently arrived asylum seekers are currently without accommodation. 

Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman has said the Government plans to build six new reception centres for asylum seekers in 2024. 

These centres could house between 500 and 750 asylum seekers.  

Cabinet will review a revised version of a white paper on direct provision in January. 

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has been contacted for comment. 

Main image: JJ Gannon's Bar and Hotel in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, October 2022. Image via Google Maps