Proposals to use Castlesaunderson Scouting Centre in Cavan to house Ukrainian refugees have been dropped, after a local community group voiced concerns.
Castlesaunderson Community and Friends expressed concern earlier this month that the Scouts facility on the grounds had been proposed as a location to house “women and children fleeing the war in Ukraine.”
Before Christmas, local paper The Anglo Celt reported that the Department of Integration was engaged in negotiations with Scouting Ireland for the use of the Castlesaunderson Scout Centre for accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
It is understood that the €3.7 million centre has room to accommodate 66 people with an upstairs dorm and an 18-bed dorm downstairs.
The local group said it was unfortunate that there had been “no consultation” with the local communities, claiming that Scouting Ireland and the relevant government bodies had “refused to clarify” details about the proposals.
In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the scouting organisation told the Anglo Celt that “other scout centres around the country” had been “successfully used” to provide refuge to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine “without any negative impact on local communities.”
A series of meetings and protests had unfolded in recent weeks, with one protest last work hearing that a petition had garnered over 200 signatures over the course of the day from people who use the facilities on the grounds.
“The grounds and walkways at Castle Saunderson are adjacent to Balturbet, but are used by many walkers from Cavan, Monaghan and Fermanagh environs. The walks are used by young and old, walkers, runners, and families with children. To date, it has been a safe and happy environment for all.”
The group had raised questions, and said they wanted Scouting Ireland and Department officials to clarify who the accommodation was being earmarked for; if those to be accommodated there were already in the country; what facilities had been put in place for their accommodation; and how long the centre would be used, and if it would be a “once off measure.”
The local group also raised concerns around how many additional GPs and health service workers would be contracted for occupants of the centre, stating that “GPs in Belturbet are already stretched’ to capacity.
Earlier this month, the community group erected a sign outside the Castlesaunderson International Scout Centre, which read: “As a community who use the facility for (exercise, dog walking, wildlife studies, family days out); As friends of the facility, we wish to continue these activities for many years to come.
“Unfortunately we have been told [the] Scouting Ireland premises is to become a refugee centre. This is fine as the group would welcome women and children from war-torn countries but would oppose young men of military age.”
The sign, positioned outside the gates, said that housing “unknown men would make the facility unusable to the wider community.”
This week, the group, made up of local people, welcomed what it said was “great news for the local community of Castlesaunderson” – saying that a decision had been made not to house refugees at the local scout centre.
The community organisation said it was “a victory for a community that stood together,” adding that “common sense has prevailed.”
Local Fianna Fail TD Brendan Smith told The Anglo Celt this week that he had been informed by senior Department officials that the plans would “not be progressing” – with the local paper saying it had later been confirmed by the Department.
Cavan County Council, which owns the castle itself on the estate, along with the yard buildings and other structures, told the regional newspaper that it was unaware of the discussions taking place around the use of the scouting centre.
Meanwhile, Cavan County Councillor Brendan Fay described the development as “fantastic news.”
“Following many representations by my self to Minister O Gorman’s office and with a motion at the Council meeting yesterday on this subject on behalf of the Castlesaunderson Community and all the people who love and use the local amenity, the result is as follows,” Cllr Fay said.
“Minister O Gorman’s office have now said that the Scouting Ireland facility at Castlesaunderson will not be used to accommodate any refugees.
“This is largely due to a fantastic community who held meetings in a dignified, quiet way and who always said this was about their local community and their concerns for people who may be located in the middle of a forest with no adequate services. Well done to the community.
“Take a bow. So glad to be part of such a wonderful group of people, Castlesaunderson Community & Friends,” the Independent councillor said.