A large group of people in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim have confirmed that they have begun what they have called a series of peaceful demonstrations which oppose the Government’s decision to relocate 130 asylum seekers to the region.
According to RTÉ News, the protests come after a private meeting was held in recent days.
It is understood that the Ballinamore Community Group are opposed to the relocation of 130 asylum seekers to an apartment complex in the town.
Although the group say they welcome asylum seekers to their community, they are concerned about the number of people being relocated to the town.
RTÉ News reports that the group have voiced concerns in regards to the size of the group as it is disproportionate to the needs of both the asylum seekers and the community itself.
The group say no consultation has been held with the Department of Justice and the number of asylum seekers being moved to the region is approximately 15% of the town’s population which is approximately 900 people.
However the group have reiterated that they are open to housing asylum seekers in the community as long as the Department of Justice enacts a policy of proportional provision.