Councillor slams as 'bizarre' Mayo's 'conflicting' immigration data

The government is either being ‘economical with the truth’ around new accommodation provision across Mayo for Ukrainian refugees or genuinely has no clue as to what is going on.

That’s according to Mayo Aontú Councillor Paul Lawless, who has termed as ‘bizarre’ conflicting information he has received from the Department of Integration which he says is at variance with the overall government assertion that numbers are reducing.

He elaborated: “In recent days I have got confirmation from Mayo County Council that there are a number of new buildings being considered for Ukrainian refugees. These include:

“Belmont Hotel in Knock to accommodate 150 people.

"In Claremorris both Castlemcgarrett, which is set to accommodate 300 people, and 12 further modular units in Kilcolman Road, Claremorris, are under consideration.

"In Ballyhaunis 50 modular units are under consideration at the moment to accommodate circa 180 people.

"Moreover 20 modular homes are currently under consideration in Turlough to accommodate circa 72 people.

“The department continues to sign more and more letters of intent for Ukrainian nationals, yet we know that the numbers of people coming to Ireland from Ukraine are falling.

"Nevertheless, the government maintains these buildings will be used for Ukrainian nationals.

“Meanwhile, I received an email from the department stating a number of accommodation contracts have been terminated due to the reduction in demand.

"For example, according to the department, the International Hostel in Knock which was used to accommodate Ukrainian Nationals is no longer needed. It's totally bizarre.

“In correspondence to me the department stated" “In recent months, we have seen decreases in the number of people arriving from Ukraine to Ireland. Added to that, greater numbers are choosing to move on from State accommodation.”

“It further mentions that 'very few new arrivals, with the exception of the most vulnerable cases', are being placed in the department’s existing accommodation settings.

“It’s clear that this government’s mishandling of the entire immigration issue continues.

"The Government has no handle on the immigration numbers in Mayo. According to the department the demand for Ukrainian accommodation centres is falling.

"Yet 10 further projects/ buildings with a capacity to house a total of 870 people are being advanced. It’s time for the government to be honest with the people regarding the proposed centres.

"We favour a compassionate but common-sense approach and the manner in which this government has gone about immigration is frankly neither.

"It has created unnecessary chaos as a result of its incoherent immigration policy. By its refusal to engage with communities it has sown anger, confusion and suspicion about the status of those entering the country.

"Aontú uncovered that 85% of deportation orders were not enforced, a damning indictment of the government’s record.

“The latest conflicting reports I have received does nothing to engender confidence in its abilities to handle the issue properly and justly, for everybody concerned.

“Aontú wants to see concrete action on the current crisis. We will prioritise the creation of a new Irish Border Agency that will incorporate processing applications to engage with communities over placements and enforce Irish and international law on deportations.

"We will ensure this is adequately staffed and resourced, replacing the appalling mismanaged system that is currently in place.

“Living in this country is a privilege, not a right and we will clearly deny anyone with a criminal record in any other country from entering Ireland”.

“We want to see an Irish Sea Border to address the numbers of people coming from Britain through the North of Ireland into the Republic.

"This is compatible with the Common Travel Area and is the only way to control numbers coming through this route and negate the need for a hard border or checks on the border."