There is no need for “blockades” against asylum seekers staying on the site of a former hotel in Co Clare.
That’s according to Tánaiste Micheál Martin, speaking outside Government Buildings this morning.
Speaking to Newstalk, Mr Martin said the Government “will engage with the local community, government and authorities [in Co Clare] to ease any concerns they might have”.
Mr Martin said he “didn’t believe there’s a need for the blockades” seen in Co Clare overnight.
Some 50 residents from the village of Inch blocked a road to the site of a closed hotel, where 34 asylum seekers would be staying.
Tractors and cars have been set up outside Magowna House Hotel in Inch after migrants arrived last night.
It is understood that the asylum seekers will stay in individual houses due to fire safety concerns surrounding the hotel, which closed in 2019.
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“These are people in themselves who have obviously gone through a difficult journey – those who are seeking asylum,” Mr Martin said.
The Tánaiste also said the Government will “facilitate the housing” of the asylum seekers.
“Overall County Clare and Ireland has been strong in terms of facilitating many refugees,” he said.
“The dignity of the human being always has to be centre in our minds.”
Some people have also now gathered outside Clare County Council in what is being called a peaceful protest.
It follows tensions in Dublin in recent days which saw violent protests and tents of homeless asylum seekers being set on fire.
Image via Sasko Lazarov for Rolling News.
