More consultation with local communities is needed before asylum seekers and refugees are given accommodation - Senator

A Fianna Fáil Senator aiming to represent Kildare in the European Parliament has called for more consultation with local communities before asylum seekers or international protection applicants are accommodated in local facilities.

Donegal-based Senator Niall Blaney hopes to secure a nomination from his party for the Midlands-North West constituency which includes Kildare as well as 12 other counties and Galway City.

Mr Blaney has been a Senator for the Agricultural Panel since April 2020 and also served as a TD for Donegal North-East from 2002 to 2011.

The Senator comes from a well-known political family - his grandfather Neal Blaney, his uncle Neil Blaney, and his father Harry Blaney all preceded him as TDs.

Speaking about the contentious topic of immigration, Mr Blaney said it is vital that a “national conversation” is begun to improve current systems in operation.

He told the Leinster Leader: “Immigration is really important to us in Ireland. But the current system is not working for us. "There are pressures on housing and health and education services.

“We need an open, national conversation about immigration. Our current approach is all wrong.”

He added: “Asylum seekers and international protection applicants are being accommodated in local communities without any consultation in some cases.

“This has to stop. The current system is putting serious pressure on local services. We have to step back and have an open debate. It’s a complex issue because we need immigrants coming into the country.”

Mr Blaney, who has been heavily involved in peace building projects in Northern Ireland, has called for greater efforts to improve the relationship between the Irish and British governments.

He also wants to see the Stormont assembly up and running as soon as possible.

He claimed that Ireland is not being served very well by many sitting MEPs.

The Senator said that Ireland and Kildare needs strong MEPs to help tackle issues currently affecting the continent of Europe such as the aftermath of Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, the continuing effects of Brexit, rising inflation and overall energy security.

He also said that the area of green energy has huge potential for Ireland and this needs to be developed.

On the issue of agriculture, Mr Blaney said he would work closely with the various sectors in Kildare such as tillage, dairy, beef and horse breeders - and also lobby for improvements on the current nitrates derogation limits.

Mr Blaney said that he plans to visit Kildare in coming weeks and meet key stakeholders in local communities.

He said: “Midlands North West is a big constituency - it makes up 15 counties of of the overall 26. There are a myriad of issues affecting every county and I know that a lack of infrastructure is a big concern in Kildare.

"There are also deficiencies in public transport for commuters and these are all issues I want to improve for the county.”