This week, our neighbouring town of Ballaghaderreen is finding itself in the national news headlines.
It was revealed that Ballaghaderreen was to become the host town for up to 200 Syrian refugees, over the next two year period. News broke on Thursday, 5th January, that a former hotel within the town was to be used as an emergency reception and orientation centre (EROS) for Syrian refugees. On Friday, 6th January, local councillors were called to an emergency meeting of Roscommon County Council, where they learnt that the owners of The Abbeyfield Hotel had signed a two year agreement with the Department of Justice to house the refugees.
With 80 Syrian refugees, mainly consisting of women and children, set to arrive within the coming weeks, reactions throughout the town are mixed.
The Western People spoke with a number of councillors about the issue. One councillor stated “This has come as a big shock to people who understood the hotel was being re-opened to tourists.” While another councillor stated “No one is disputing the fact that these refugees need urgent assistance, however, Ballaghaderreen is not fit for this purpose.” The councillor continued on to state, currently there is a lack of resources within the small town. Those resources which are in place are already under severe pressure as they try to cope with demand.
The general consensus throughout the town seems to be of disappointment due to the lack of communication regarding the issue. The absence of consultation has left a bitter after taste in the local community. While most individuals are sympathetic towards the refugees from a humanitarian point of view, the manner in which this news was communicated has left much to be desired.
Eugene Cummins, CEO of Roscommon County Council stressed that “this is not a bad news story. We are giving help to people who are getting out of a desperate situation.”
History Behind The Headlines
In 2015, the government established The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRRP) as a direct response to the humanitarian crisis which developed in Southern Europe as a consequence of mass migration from war torn countries.
Under the IRRP, the government pledged to accept 4,000 persons into the State. This programme would guarantee a safe haven for 4,000 people, with emphasis on women and children, caught up in the migration crisis.
Having stayed in the emergency centres for a period of up to six months, the refugees will then be relocated to counties throughout the country. With each county getting a fair distribution of refugees.