'Genuine concerns over asylum seekers in rural community in Tipperary have been silenced'

Tipperary Deputy Mattie McGrath has condemned what he describes as the Government’s "authoritarian tactics and lack of transparency in forcing IPAS accommodation on a rural community in his constituency".

He stated, “The government’s failure to consult and inform the local community about the conversion of Dundrum House is a flagrant violation of democratic principles. The secretive, behind-closed-doors process for identifying buildings as potential accommodation centres is not only undemocratic but also deeply disrespectful to residents.

"This approach has created an information vacuum, leaving local communities in the dark and fostering frustration and anger.

“The deployment of up to 200 gardaí, including the public order unit and a dog unit, to enforce the IPAS policy in Dundrum is an egregious misuse of resources. It exemplifies government overreach and an inappropriate attempt by ministers to dictate garda actions, silencing genuine concerns in a rural community.

“While local communities struggle to get adequate garda presence for routine duties, the government has shown it can mobilise a significant force to impose its will on a small rural area. This heavy-handed enforcement is perceived as bullying and an attempt to silence genuine concerns through intimidation and fear.

“Residents in Dundrum feel their voices are being ignored and their concerns dismissed. The government’s tactics have turned peaceful protests into confrontations, with residents being treated as lawbreakers rather than engaged citizens. This lack of consultation and respect for local input is seen as a direct affront to the democratic process and an insult to the community’s intelligence and autonomy”.

Deputy McGrath is calling for what he says is "a balanced approach that respects the needs and concerns of local communities while addressing the accommodation needs of international protection applicants".

He emphasises that the government must establish a proper consultation process and engage with residents in a meaningful way. The current approach, which prioritises dictation over dialogue, is unsustainable and damaging to community relations, he added.