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Plans for Direct Provision centre in Ballinamore 'paused', campaigners say

Plans for a Direct Provision centre in Co Leitrim have been 'paused', according to campaigners. U...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

19.13 24 Oct 2019


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Plans for Direct Provision cen...

Plans for Direct Provision centre in Ballinamore 'paused', campaigners say

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

19.13 24 Oct 2019


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Plans for a Direct Provision centre in Co Leitrim have been 'paused', according to campaigners.

Up to 130 asylum seekers were due to be accommodated in apartments in Ballinamore in a month's time.

But some local residents objected, and have been protesting outside the complex for 24 hours a day.

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Immigration Minister David Stanton met community activists in Dublin this evening, including Gordon Hughes.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hughes said: "We said that the meeting was very positive - it was conciliatory, and he understood what we were trying to communicate to him about how the community at Ballinamore and the lack of consultation.

"We came away from the meeting with agreement with the minister that the development in Ballinamore would pause, and nothing would move further until such time as he's had further consultations with his own officials.

"[After that] he will revert back to us for further talks in relation to matters going forward."

It has previously been reported that apartments would be made available to families in Ballinamore.

The Department of Justice confirmed it was working to secure new accommodation, but did not confirm the locations.

Locals in the Co Leitrim town have voiced concerns around the number of asylum seekers and the impact on the town's services.

Sligo-Leitrim Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny, meanwhile, welcomed the prospect of asylum seekers moving into the town - while acknowledging the "genuine concerns" of some local people.

Reporting by Eoghan Murphy and Stephen McNeice

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