Protests are ongoing in Naas, County Kildare over government plans to house “over 300 families” on a site at Flood’s Cross in Newhall, just outside Nass.
— Michael (@Michaelminer23) February 20, 2024
Kildare’s KFM reported that the Department of Integration says it plans to house the migrants which it says it expects will be in the range of 300 families from Ukraine at the site in pods.
KFM says it is understood that the pods have three beds each and that families with more than three children will be accommodated in two adjoining pods.
It was also reported that the pods are being provided by Pastures New who previously provided temporary accommodation structures for migrants in Stradbally.
Pastures New was also at the centre of plans to house 950 Ukrainians in the small village of Annamoe in Wicklow last year, however these plans were withdrawn after significant opposition from locals and owners of Glendalough Estate where the accommodation was to be erected.
Locals have said they are concerned that ‘up to 1,000 undocumented’ migrants will be moved into the area and that the protests are being held in order to ‘protect their children’s futures’.