A group of refugees living in a hotel in Kinnegad, Westmeath have begged the Government to “treat them like human beings” after enduring what they describe as cramped conditions and cold food.

Last weekend, 60 refugees were abruptly moved from Dublin to Kinnegad and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth says a further 90 could be housed there over the coming weeks. 

However, a number of the refugees have got in touch with Newstalk and said the hotel is cold, the food is poor, there is no laundry and that far too many people are being housed in per room: 

“We’re staying in a small room for the three of us,” one described. 

“It’s so crowded. The place is small.” 

“We’re really not asking for much, we just need our basic needs to be met so we’re just asking to be taken seriously and be treated like human beings,” another added. 

“Because right now, I don’t think anyone could live in this condition.” 

'Not well thought out'

Denis Leonard, a Labour party councillor for Mullingar-Kinnegad District, says he too has concerns about the Government's decision to move the refugees to the town: 

“We actually don’t have the facilities for the 3,000 people who live here. So to move 150 single males into cramped hotel accommodation in the middle of Westmeath is not really on,” he complained. 

“Because it is not well thought out, it is not planned and really sustainable.” 

He continued: 

“Local people are very afraid that if 150 single males can be foisted on a town that doesn’t have enough facilities even to look after its own people, it’s a recipe for disaster. 

“Kinnegad is not a racist town; there are people living in this town of every nationality, in every corner of the town - many of them get involved in the local clubs and organisations. 

“There’s no problem with people from other countries living here. They always have. My problem is - and the problem of many people here is - that this particular model of 150 single males living in cramped conditions in a hotel, it’s not right for them and it’s not right for the community.” 

In a statement to Newstalk, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said:  

“This hotel in Kinnegad is being used as temporary accomodation and the department is currently working with accommodation providers in terms of what services are needed.”