Accommodation centre for refugees to open in Meath

Paul Murphy

A temporary emergency accommodation centre for refugees is to open in Moynalvey, Summerhill early next month, the Meath Chronicle has confirmed.

County councillors in the Trim Municipal District were informed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said that from 12th February next, 29 beds will be provided for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are international protection applicants at Collegelands Forge, Collegelands, Moynalvey, Summerhill. The contract between the Department and the accommodation provider has been signed for one year.

Moynalvey, a quiet village in a rural area of South Meath, has one pub, Fagans and a thriving GAA club and is located about 5km from Summerhill. Collegelands Forge was previously known as Dorey's Forge and Shank's Mare.

In its circular to the councillors the department said that all statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of emergency accommodation are being met by the service provider including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.

Independent Cllr Brian Fitzgerald, who represents the Ratoath area but lives about 7km from the proposed site said that local people had not been consulted.

Independent Cllr Trevor Golden said he had replied urgently to the Department seeking clarifications as the communication lacked details. There was also no mention of a communication process or plan for the community. “And we only received 13 days notice and were unaware of any prior communication or works with Meath County Council."

More to follow...