Tag Archives: international protection applicants

Fine Gael councillor Joe Garrihy who has been elected again to the Ennistymon local electoral area (LEA) has reiterated his comments made earlier this year around a need by national government to have a proper exit strategy and management plan to engage with the international protection accommodation service (IPAS) clients and North Clare community on. The Lisdoonvarna councillor added he will taking that request right to the doors of Leinster House at the earliest possible opportunity with a delegation from North Clare. His home of Lisdoonvarna has accommodated approximately 1,100 Ukrainians and 100 international protection clients meaning it is the LEA with the fourth highest number of IPAS residents in the country. The town’s population of around 900 people has more than doubled since the Russian war on Ukraine started in February 2021. Speaking to The Clare Champion following his victory, Councillor Garrihy was critical of national government saying that governing from a far is not working, and that a …

CLARE County Council has been allocated almost €3 million to support communities that are hosting refugees from Ukraine and other countries. The allocation is the third highest to a local authority in the country, representing the significant role Clare has already played in supporting international protection applicants. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey said that the money will come from a €50 million Community Recognition Fund for sports clubs, community organisations, transport infrastructure and local groups. “The €2,925,549 awarded to Clare County Council recognises the significant role played by Clare communities in supporting refugees and helping them integrate into the educational, recreational and social life of towns and villages around the county,” Deputy Carey explained. “It is important that community representatives engage directly with Clare County Council over the coming weeks to ensure that high quality projects can be delivered, benefitting their towns and villages for years to come.” Projects that qualify for support include the refurbishment of local sports …

Refugee and migrant rights organisation Doras has expressed grave concern about moving more than 80 international protection applicants into tents in Knockalisheen, Meelick. As sub zero temperatures returned in Clare, Irish Refugee Council chief executive officer, Nick Henderson said it is a matter of real concern that refugees find themselves back in this position in Ireland, which is one of the richest countries in the EU. Notwithstanding the accommodation challenges, he said that placing refugees in tents is not acceptable. “This is disappointing, given Minister O’Gorman’s assurances in December that tented accommodation would cease to operate,” said Doras CEO John Lannon. “Less than four weeks later they’re back in operation. As a result, it’s very difficult to be optimistic about the government’s response to the need to provide stable and safe accommodation for refugees.” “We’ve seen the tents. They’re cold and damp. People have to go outside to get to the toilets. They certainly don’t meet people’s basic needs. And …