Mayo councillors take stand on national policy for refugee accommodation

by Caoimhín Rowland

Elected members of Mayo County Council have passed a special motion to cease all co-operation with the Department of Children, Integration, and Youth over the housing of asylum seekers and refugees in the county.

This significant decision, which unfolded during today’s council meeting, reflects the growing discontent among councillors regarding the government's handling of refugee and asylum seeker accommodation in the county.

The motion, spearheaded by Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, calls for an immediate halt to collaboration with government officials until clear plans are in place for the provision of essential services, such as medical care, transportation, training, and delivery schedules.

Councillor Kilcoyne spoke on the importance of equal distribution across national constituencies, challenging the disproportionate burden placed on Mayo compared to other regions.

As per department figures, Mayo is hosting 1,240 asylum seekers and refugees.

Ballinrobe-based Councillor Damian Ryan, supporting the motion, stated that the proactive stance the council must take in understanding the obligations and requirements for hosting refugees and asylum seekers.

The motion, according to Councillor Ryan, directly addresses concerns related to the Department of Integration and reflects the sentiments of the council members and people on the ground.

Councillor Peter Flynn proposed an amendment to the motion, aiming to ensure fairness in the treatment of both refugees and Irish citizens in need of affordable housing.

The amendment seeks to revoke the Ukrainian provision from the European Union which allows a circumvention of planning rules under emergency legislation.

The Westport-based representative urged the government to focus on the planning of modular accommodations for refugees and Irish individuals in need of housing.

The motion sparked a comprehensive discussion, with various councillors expressing their support for the motion and offering their perspectives as the issue of accommodation centres opening in local areas becomes a crucial point, particularly in an election year.

Independent Councillor Richard Finn, who attended a public meeting over this issue on Saturday in Crossboyne, highlighted concerns about the treatment of Irish people compared to refugees, questioning the lack of say for local representatives.

“Councillors have no say, don't know what we are doing at all," lamented Finn, reflecting the frustration shared by several councillors.

Councillor Finn sought clarity on ongoing works at Castlemacgarrett House, an old estate in south Mayo which is under consideration to accommodate several refugees, causing concern in the local area.

Similarly, in respect of the old Eircom building in Claremorris, Councillor Finn asked for confirmation as the town centre building is also speculated to be used for refugee accommodation.

The county's chief executive, Kevin Kelly ,stated he would circulate a written response concerning those matters.

Mayo councillors’ deliberations touched on multiple issues, including infrastructure challenges and the impact on tourism.

But the core of the motion is a stand against what some councillors perceive as the government's failure to adequately communicate and collaborate with local authorities on the matter of refugee and asylum seeker accommodation in Mayo.

The decision to cease cooperation echoes a similar motion that was shot down last April.

However, former cathaoirleach Seamus Weir, whom Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn blamed for cancelling that special meeting at today’s sitting, welcomed what he sees as the change in direction of anger toward government and not at county officials.

In response to the motion, Mr. Kelly briefly addressed concerns raised by councillors over the two-and-a-half-hour discussion.

Mr. Kelly stated that this is the government's policy direction that councillors have an issue with and he expressed commitment to circulate the motion to relevant ministers, TDs and Senators.