'Hup the town,' social media reacts to protest in Borrisokane over eviction of asylum seekers

Hundreds of people took part in a protest Borrisokane on Wednesday evening, angry that families granted asylum and living there five years are being transferred to new accommodation in Birr. 

Many of the Borrisokane residents - including over 30 children - of Riverside Apartments have been issued notice to leave by September 5. 

The reason they are facing eviction is that they have been given “Leave to Remain” status.

This means they no longer hold refugee status or subsidiary protection and are no longer entitled to live in housing provided by International Protection Accomodation Services (IPAS) because they have been granted permission to stay in Ireland.

Social media has been reacting to hundreds of people taking to the streets on Wednesday evening in solidarity with the families as locals plead with the Government to let them stay.