Last Friday, Cllr Micheál Frain put forward a motion at the Boyle Municipal District (MD) meeting asking his colleagues “to oppose any further expansion or additions to any International Protection Programmes in towns such as Ballaghaderreen until essential services such as health, education, and Garda numbers are brought to a satisfactory level”.
On December 23rd last, a planning application was submitted by Next Week & Co Ltd seeking planning permission for a two-storey extension to the Abbeyfield Hotel EROC (Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre) to provide additional accommodation. According to the planning documents, the new accommodation would consist of 18 bedrooms in addition to a general purpose room. The application also seeks permission to construct an astroturf pitch and play area.
Cllr Frain advised last Friday’s meeting of a recent socio-economic report, which showed enormous challenges for Ballaghaderreen. He noted that in 2017, when the EROC was first announced, there were promises of additional resources, but he says they are yet to be delivered. Additionally, he said that local health and educational resources have “surpassed capacity”.
The Ballaghaderreen-based councillor received unanimous support from his MD colleagues, all of whom voiced a series of concerns.
Tarmonbarry-based Independent councillor Tom Crosby noted that an injustice had been done to the community and those seeking international protection with the services in the area deteriorating rather than improving.
Fine Gael’s Cllr Liam Callaghan noted the recent controversy over the building of modular homes in the area and stated that until people are treated equally, there will not be proper integration.
Cllr Valerie Byrne, an Independent based in Elphin, said there had been no consultation with the council and that on one occasion, the arrival of people at the centre was relayed to the council by the caretakers of the premises.
Sinn Féin’s Cllr Leah Cull said there was a moral obligation to help but that the services required to help simply are not present.
Going a step further than his colleagues, Cllr Sean Moylan said that the property in question needed to be converted back into a hotel as this was vital to the development of Ballaghaderreen. He also noted that in his capacity as a representative on the HSE forum, he had been pushing to prioritise a primary care centre for the town.
Director of Services at Roscommon County Council Greg O’Donnell accepted the “fair and balanced” views expressed by councillors; however, he explained that any application could only be assessed on the facts.
