BREAKING: Protest held in Tipperary against asylum seeker hotel accommodation
Roscrea's Rackett Hall Hotel is set to accommodate 160 refugees from Friday
A protest was planned at a hotel in Roscrea on Thursday night after news broke that 160 international asylum seekers will be accommodated at the premises.
Today it was revealed that Roscrea's only operating hotel, the Rackett Hall Country Club and Hotel, will accommodate asylum seekers in approximately 40 of its rooms.
The decision was confirmed by Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD, Jackie Cahill today after what he described as "a lengthy phone call" with Minister for Integration, Roderic O'Gorman.
News of the decision quickly spread on social media and protestors have called for support at their demonstration which began at 7:30pm on Thursday night.
Roscrea saw similar protests last year after it was revealed the former Sacred Heart Convent building was to be repurposed to provide emergency accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Roscrea has another facility providing accommodation for international protection applicants in Corville House at the former Sean Ross Abbey site.
Local Independent Councillor and member of the Lowry Team, Shane Lee, said on social media that he only learned of the decision Thursday evening.
"I have just learned that the Racket Hall in Roscrea is going to accommodate 160 International Protection Applicants under the Temporary Protection Application scheme. I was not aware of this decision, and I am shocked to find out that such a large number of people are being relocated to our town without proper consultation and planning.
"I have contacted the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to obtain more information about this situation and to express my concerns about the impact it will have on our community. I will update you as soon as I receive any response from them. Thank you for your understanding and support", Cllr. Shane Lee said.
Derek Russell, founder of local activist movement Roscrea Strands Up, told the Tribune on that he shares the immediate sense of concern felt by many in Roscrea.
"Speaking for myself I feel that Roscrea, a town of approximately 6,000 peole, has more than done more than its fair share already in terms of helping people seeking asylum.
"The lack of resources in the town is a major concern and the loss of accommodation in our only hotel is a serious blow to the town", Mr. Russell said.
Roscrea Stands Up held a public meeting in November which saw many local people express concerns about the sudden influx of asylum seekers in Roscrea.
More on this breaking story as it happens.