Protest and counter protest held in Kilkenny over asylum seekers

Around 50 people took to the streets of Kilkenny in protest this afternoon following the recent announcement that 131 asylum seekers are to housed in a Kilkenny city hotel. 

Similar numbers attended a counter-protest at County Hall, with the message that Kilkenny welcomes everyone.

Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman confirmed this week that the International Protection applicants will be accommodated at the Kilkenny Inn Hotel.

Following this, the protest and counter protest were announced via a social medium platform.

Shortly after 2pm a crowd gathered at the entrance to County Hall on John Street carrying colourful banners and delivering a strong message of welcome for all refugees in Kilkenny.

Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan and Deputy Kathleen Funchion were both present at this protest before it moved from John Street to the Parade.

A short time later a similar-sized group carrying a banner saying 'Kilkenny says No' walked from John Street to the Kilkenny Inn Hotel.

This protest group gathered to voice their opposition to the planned accommodation of asylum seekers at the hotel.