Construction activity underway at Thornton Hall ahead of meetings with local public representatives

Plans are forging ahead to house up to 1,000 international protection applicants at the Thornton Hall site in North County Dublin.

A convoy of trucks and vans arrived at the site this morning (Wednesday) under Garda escort while there was also a large Garda presence at the entrance to the site which has Ashbourne as it's nearest town just.

The move comes ahead of two planned engagement briefings between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and local councillors and community stakeholders.

Local Oireactas members were invited to a meeting last Friday and were provided with a detailed document from The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth outlining plans for the 156-acre site, which is owned by the Department of Justice would be utilised for “emergency-style” tents due to the ongoing accommodation crisis.

It's understood that just Deputy Darren O'Rourke and Senator Sharon Keogan represented Meath at that meeting.

A further online meeting with local councillors from Fingal and Meath is scheduled for 4pm today (Wednesday 14th). A DCEDIY Community Engagement Team meeting, with invited stakeholders is due to be held in Blanchardstown this evening.

According to the document 35 acres of the site is being developed by a private company called IEMS who are contracted by the department to help provide safe accommodation for people who have for International Protection.

The accommodation will be for single adult men.

A two year license agreement was signed on June 11th, 2024 between the Irish Prison Service and The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for use of part of the site.

It goes on to say that tented accommodation is viewed as “a short-term solution,” allowing DCEDIY more time to source alternatives, including modular units.

“Accommodation will be provided on a phased basis starting with six accommodation tents and six for ancillary services,” the letter states.

“These tents will accommodate 40 people. Phase two will accommodate approximately 440 people.”

On how the site will be managed, the document says that contractor staff will be “present 24/7” and the 'House Rules' explain how the centre is managed to centre residents. All accommodation centres for people seeking international protection have security protection according to the department and there is and “will continue to be a security presence on the site.”

The document describes how protesters have maintained “a consistent presence at both gates on the site.”

It goes on to say that encampments are making it extremely difficult for required works to be carried out and serious incidents that have been carried out on site by “bad actors” include animal cruelty, persistent verbal threats and objects thrown at individuals trying to work on the site and stalking of security personnel. It is expected to take 4 – 5 weeks from when works begin until the first tents are ready for use

A meeting between The Community Engagement Team (CET) and community representatives, with the support of the Local Development Company is planned for this evening. It is understood that Meath based community representatives will be a part of this briefing.

The developments have caused much anxiety among the community in Ashbourne and what many residents claims is a lack of any 'meaningful consultation' on the issue.

Sinn Fein Cllr Helen Meyer put forward a motion at a recent Ashbourne Municipal District Meeting calling for an impact assessment for the area if plans for Thornton Hall go ahead.

In their response Meath Co Council said it had “no role” in providing accommodation for international protection applicants, that this was the responsibility of the Department of Integration.

They added that through engagement with local authorities, the department determine whether a location is suitable for accommodation and in this regard Meath Co Council has contacted the department seeking information on the development on Thornton Hall, however they have advised there is no update as government and services are finalising arrangements but they would continue engagement.

Cllr Meyer warned that Meath Co Co's “hands-off approach” could have serious consequences for the area and pointed out while Thornton Hall is on the outskirts of Fingal County Council, it is closer to Ashbourne than to any of the towns in Fingal, and would impacted the most.

“We are the second largest town in Meath, our population has increased exponentially over the past few years, and the infrastructure has not kept pace,” said the Sinn Fein Cllr.

“And now the plan is to put 1,000 men into a field and not provide the corresponding services that are needed,” she added.

“Most people could work with it if this were rolled out properly with proper planning. From what we have witnessed so far, the lack of planning and foresight is frankly very worrying.

“The town of Ashbourne, the surrounding area, and the men being sent to share tents in a field with little to no resources will be those most negatively affected.

“I understand this is a crisis response, but following through on this plan will not be good for anyone involved. I have urged DCEDIY to address the local people’s genuine concerns before proceeding with this plan.”