Athlone, Co. Westmeath – A protest against a proposed asylum seeker accommodation centre is scheduled to take place in Athlone on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 2pm. The demonstration, organised by local group Athlone Stands Together, will begin at the Athlone Civic Centre and proceed to the Lissywollen site, where the Department of Integration plans to house up to 1,000 male international protection applicants in temporary tented and modular accommodations.
The protest follows ongoing local opposition to the government’s plans, which have sparked significant concern among residents. Many cite strained local services, including healthcare, schools, and creches, as well as safety fears due to the large number of single male asylum seekers proposed for the facility. A public meeting held on November 7, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel saw approximately 300 attendees voicing frustration, with speakers including Athlone Mayor Cllr Frankie Keena and local councillors highlighting the lack of community consultation.
Local councillors have pursued legal action to challenge the development, with a GoFundMe campaign raising €37,000 to support a judicial review of the ministerial order. Residents have expressed fears about safety and some have even threatened to relocate if the plans proceed.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed they will monitor the event to ensure it remains peaceful, respecting the right to protest while maintaining public safety. The protest is part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Ireland, with similar actions reported in recent years due to concerns over asylum seeker accommodations.
Athlone Stands Together has emphasised that the demonstration aims to be peaceful, focusing on raising awareness about the impact of the proposed centre on the town’s resources and community. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
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