Tipperary community 'shell-shocked' by asylum seekers' eviction notices to hold meeting

Borrisokane Liaison Committee and "the town that said yes" planning a public meeting over eviction notices sent to asylum seekers. 

A member of the committee said: "In our agreement with the Department of Justice - which back in 2019 was over the housing of asylum seekers we all agreed that there would not be a revolving door to the centre and that once the families received their status if they so wished they could then stay in their homes with either assistance from HAP or their own financial means.

"We were all extremely shocked to hear in February that 10 of the 20 families received eviction notices and that they were to vacate their homes by mid July.

"If they cannot find alternative accommodation they are told they will enter back into emergency accommodation. As we are all aware there is a housing crisis and it is impossible to find anywhere.

"We as a community are shell-shocked. The children are well settled in their schools and clubs and the parents are either in full & part time employment or in further education courses.

"They are being told to uproot from the place they now call home where they have a proper support network and where they feel safe.

"We have exhaustively been trying to engage in a positive and constructive way with the powers that be but to no avail. That is why we are holding a public meeting this coming Friday, June 14 at 7.30pm in our local hall.

"We do not want this as a constant revolving door where families never get a chance to properly put down roots and are being passed from one place to another."