Tipperary TD understands decision on hostel for protection applicants is 'being reviewed'

The Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill and Cashel councillor, Roger Kennedy have expressed concerns over the use of Cashel Town Hostel for the accommodation of International Protection Applicants which would result in the loss of homeless accommodation in the county.

“I have serious concerns that vital homeless services, which Tipperary County Council have been availing of for many years now, could be lost to accommodate International Protection Applicants. It is not right that one group of vulnerable people in our society would lose out on existing services in favour of another group," said Deputy Cahill.

He said that he had spoken to officials in Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s office and was working with Cllr Roger Kennedy closely on this matter.

“I was very surprised to learn that officials in the Department of Integration were not aware that Cashel Town Hostel was being used by Tipperary County Council for a number of years at this stage to provide emergency and homeless accommodation locally. In my view, this calls into question the viability of this move," he said.

“Cllr Kennedy and I have raised these concerns with officials in the Department of Integration. We now understand that the Department is reviewing this decision to determine whether the use of Cashel Town Hostel would be appropriate for such use in light of these facts," said the TD.

Cllr Kennedy has made numerous enquiries into this matter since local representatives were made aware of these plans late last week.

“It is my understanding that only 6 John Street, Cashel, has been listed by the Department as providing accommodation to International Protection Applications, and that this building alone does not have near sufficient capacity to cater for the numbers being suggested this week," he said.

“On top of this, 6, John Street is a listed structure with Tipperary County Council under the Cashel and Environs Development Plan 2013. I also understand that a warning letter was previously issued in relation to this property for unauthorised development," said Cllr Kennedy.