The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
AN additional 30 asylum seekers relocated to the Direct Provision centre in Lisdoonvarna this week.
This brings the number of asylum seekers in the North Clare town to approximately 60, although it is understood that some of the first group of asylum seekers have since sought alternative accommodation.
The first batch of asylum seekers arrived in Lisdoonvarna on March 12 and are located in the King Thomond Hotel, just outside the town. Up to 115 asylum seekers can be catered for in Lisdoonvarna.
At a public meeting in the Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna, on February 23, King Thomond Hotel proprietor Marcus White said that he would listen to the views of local people, if they were opposed to Direct Provision or the arrival of asylum seekers.
On February 28, a secret ballot of parish residents was held in the Pavilion.
A total of 93% voted 197 to 15, to reject the arrival of Direct Provision in the town.
However, the Direct Provision contract was subsequently signed by Mr White, who did not attend that meeting.
