Minister Roderick O’Gorman, has refused to disclose if there are plans for asylum or private accommodation to be contracted by his Department at Mount Merrion, Dalkey, Sandycove, Foxrock, Sandymount, Dún Laoghaire, and Blackrock.
Minister O’Gorman was responding to a parliamentary question on the matter from the Independent TD for Laois-Offaly, Carol Nolan.
The Minister said his refusal to confirm details regarding the locations was “due to the commercially sensitive nature of procurement negotiations.”
He went on to note that his Department cannot comment on plans for accommodation “in any specific area” pending the agreement of rates, terms and contracts with providers.
The refusal to provide the data is being appealed by Deputy Nolan:
“It is my view that the Minister is using commercial sensitivity as a shield to keep communities in the dark until the last minute when he can then present any decisions on locations as a fait accompli having had little or no public consultation,” said Deputy Nolan.
“This is clearly suggested by his reference to ‘agreements” with private or public entities.
“Communities, no matter where there are, be that in traditional working class areas or indeed the more leafy suburbs of Dublin, all deserve the same respect in terms of engagement and consultation.”
“The current approach of secrecy, operating by stealth, and then attempting to morally blackmail local people into shutting up has not worked and it will not work going forward.”