Independent TD Sean Canney has expressed concern at the decision by the Department of Youth Affairs, Integration and Disabilities to locate 103 Asylum Seekers in the Corralea Court Hotel, in the Square in Tuam.
The hotel, which was formerly the Imperial Hotel has played a central role in the social fabric of the town over the past half century. However, the local deputy said this week that he is awaiting clarification on the move.
“I received an email last Wednesday evening from the Department with a briefing document which sets out the plan to accommodate 103 asylum seekers and to move out the Ukrainian refugees who are based there for the last two years.
“Since I received the briefing note I have been in contact with the Department Officials to get clarification on some issues. I am awaiting further clarification,” he said.
“The Government seemingly are not willing to put right the mistakes of the past and continue with a policy which is not working and is a huge source on anxiety to ordinary citizens in our communities.
He said that he is particularly disappointed that the hotel in the centre of the town is being used for this purpose and depriving the town of a badly needed hotel facility in the centre of Tuam.
“There is also concern about the destination of the Ukrainians who were integrating into our community, their children going to local schools and adults working locally.
“The briefing note states that the composition of the 103 asylum seekers will be families and I am seeking further clarification on this,” he added.
“I know people will be concerned about this development, but I would urge people to be wary of misinformation and to verify the facts for themselves”.
He said that the briefing note provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure he was informed of developments in relation to emergency accommodation for international applicants.
The note said that 103 beds will be provided for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are International Protection Applicants in Corralea Court Hotel, The Square, Tuam, Co. Galway.
All statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of emergency accommodation are being met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will manage the arrival of people into this centre.
The contract with this centre has been signed for a period of one year.
The capacity is for 103 people in 28 rooms, and that the accommodation will be for families of international protection applicants.
It is not possible to say with certainty what the length of stay will be having regard to the number of IP applicants arriving in Ireland and the scarcity of alternative accommodation. A one-year contract has been signed with the provider.
There are sufficient numbers of bathrooms at the required ratios and there will be a Full Board service provided on this site. The residents will be provided with three meals daily. There is also a Tesco and Aldi within five minutes walking distance of the property.
Each resident will have toiletries replenished weekly and other essentials such as toilet paper replenished as needed.
The facility will have high speed fibre Wi-Fi. Fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment and security cameras fitted throughout the common walking areas.
The property is owned by Raeton Ltd. Raeton Ltd is operating the site with staff on-site 24 hours a day and there will be a manager and/or security staff on site at all times. This is the first time that the provider has provided accommodation to IPAS. The owner/facilities management company have previous experience in the provision of accommodation centres for BOTP’s.
In addition, the Centre Management team in IPAS have developed and rolled out (as a pilot initially ) a training programme for all centre managers to take part in and this will be offered to the provider.
In terms of staff on site?, there will be a manager over all operations, a supervisor, three receptioniss, one head housekeeper, two housekeepers, three chefs, three kitchen porters and one maintenance staff. There will also be security staff present 24/7. There is also CCTV in place.
A valid fire cert is in place and has been provided to the Department. All supporting fire and insurance documentation has been received.Each resident will have their own lockable bedroom and 24-hour access. Each shower and toilet is appropriately partitioned for privacy.
PPSNs are provided through the Department of Social Protection (DSP ). International Protection applicants cannot access the labour market for the first six months that they are in Ireland. After five months, international protection applicants can apply to the Department of Justice for permission to access the labour market and if granted, this permission will only become valid six months after the date of application for international protection.
Most of the residents will be new arrivals. Many who have found work are making a positive contribution to the local and national economies, particularly in areas where there are skills shortages,” the briefing note stated.
