Protestors in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, are “not stepping down” following a third night of demonstrations against plans to house asylum seekers in a local hotel. 

People have been protesting since the Racket Hall hotel closed on Thursday. Local representatives were reportedly informed 160 beds would be provided to families of international protection applicants. 

Protestors arrived at the site within hours and many have said they will block attempts to move asylum seekers to the property. 

The Racket Hall is the only operating hotel in Roscrea, a town with a population of approximately 5,500 people. 

Local Independent Councillor Shane Lee said people in Roscrea are “completely, totally opposed” to using the hotel for asylum seekers. 

“The message that I'm getting is loud and clear: that they're not stepping down from the protest until such a time that the Government or Minister [Roderic O’Gorman] comes and meets the people Roscrea,” he said. 

Asylum seekers in Roscrea

Cllr Lee said Roscrea is already “pushing above its weight” in accommodating asylum seekers and refugees. 

“We currently have two active sites,” he said. “There’s one on the Convent Hill, [which] the people of Roscrea welcomed for Ukrainian families. 

“We have also have Sean Ross Abbey – between all of that, there’s a large number of asylum seekers and Ukrainians in the town of Roscrea already. 

“This has been a step too far by the Minister and by the Government.” 

The former Sacred Heart Convent was chosen to accommodate up to 400 Ukrainians last year. Sean Ross Abbey, a former mother-and-baby home, is currently housing 200 asylum seekers. 

Local TDs such as Independents Mattie McGrath and Michael Lowry have spoken at protests in support of opposition to the plans to use the hotel for asylum seekers. 

Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne also said yesterday that the Government is “failing” locals in Roscrea. 

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

Main image: The Racket Hall hotel in Roscrea in Co Tipperary. Image: Google Maps