TD Carol has penned a response to Minister for Integration, Roderic O’Gorman, regarding plans to house international protection applicants in Birr, County Offaly.
As Gript recently reported, the former nursing home, Elm Grove, which was being used as accommodation for Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTP) is to be changed to an accommodation for asylum seekers.
Accusing O’gorman’s department of participating in a “fait accompli”, Nolan said she “cannot express in sufficient language the anger that this and indeed dozens of other similar decisions are creating within communities in my own constituency and beyond.”
Speaking on the manner in which facilities are contracted out to the state to serve as IPAS centres Deputy Nolan said, “What we are generally witnessing with respect to IPAS/State contracts is nothing short of unadulterated greed and profiteering masquerading as the compassionately minded provision of services.”
The Independent TD for Laois/Offaly asked why Elm Grove was not considered for the homeless people of Birr and Offaly who she said “have been languishing on housing lists or in totally unsuitable and cramped accommodation for years,”
Deputy Nolan asked why the Department of Integration was not working with the Department of Housing and others at an inter-departmental level and why it was not “not moving heaven and earth” to accommodate the long term homeless in her local communities.
She asked why services are “being prioritised” for IPAS applicants saying “the majority” of whom “are not genuine asylum seekers” but “economic migrants”.
Deputy Nolan said she was “utterly opposed” to what she called “a strategy of endless imposition upon communities nationwide, particularly deprived communities.”
She added that the decision regarding Elm Grove has generated “enormous anger and concern” suggesting that the Department of Integration was aware of but had “decided to proceed regardless”.
Deputy Nolan said she was “directly accusing this Government of endorsing and indeed escalating an asylum policy that threatens to utterly destabilise the social order with no long-term benefit to either genuine asylum seekers who deserve our help, or those who will now be in direct competition for vital services such as GP, school places and housing.”
She called for a “fundamental reassessment” of the current “overall policy trajectory” saying it was “way past time for Government and every Department within it, to prioritise the needs of those within Birr, Offaly and elsewhere who have watched for years now as their own Government de-prioritises and jeopardises the servicing of their own legitimate needs.”
The Department of Integration says that it is experiencing unprecedented pressure due to never before seen numbers of people claiming international protection in Ireland.
Regarding Elm Grove, the department says “88 beds will be provided for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are International Protection Applicants in Elm Grove House”, adding that it the accommodation will be for families but that “is not possible to say with certainty what the length of stay will be”.
The Offaly Express reported a statement issued on behalf of the Ukrainian BOTPs who are to be moved on from Elm Grove to make way for international protection applicants.
The Ukrainians have appealed to the Department of Integration to reverse its decision to remove them from the property.
“We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this collective appeal for your consideration. We are 23 Ukrainian nationals who have been granted temporary protection in Ireland. Following our resettlement on September 1st, 2023, we were relocated to the town of Birr, residing at Elm Grove House. Over the past eight months, many of us have found employment, our children attend school, and we have successfully integrated into the community, forming meaningful connections and friendships.” it says.
“Today, we were informed of plans to relocate us to another town, Banagher. Such a sudden upheaval, especially for our children, would cause immense distress. Despite the psychological traumas we endured in Ukraine, we strive to move forward, to adapt, and to contribute positively to society.
The Ukrainian BOTPs say they are “are deeply grateful for the genuine assistance” they have received so far, saying they “truly value it.”
The statement continues: “However, please understand that we are emotionally drained. This impending move would mark our third relocation. Our goal is to adapt, to secure employment, and to rebuild our lives. Therefore, we kindly ask to allow us to remain in Birr, at Elm Grove House. Your support during this challenging time would mean the world to us.”