The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said that the government and local authorities will work with the local community in Co Clare to “ease” any concerns about housing asylum seekers.
He was speaking when protesters blocked the driveway to a hotel in the Anse where people are seeking asylum.
Last night around 33 asylum seekers arrived by bus to Magowna House in Ennistown, about five miles from Ennis.
After the asylum seekers arrived, 50 locals blocked both sides of the road to the former hotel and restaurant, which has been closed since 2019, reports RTE.
Access to Magowna House remains blocked.
A tractor blocks the small country lane leading to the house and another tractor and sealed grass blocks block two entrances to the property which consists of a large house, a hotel and three three-bedroom cottages.
Only locals living along the street are allowed access.
Addressing a cabinet meeting this morning, Mr Martin said: “I would ask that that level of engagement and cooperation will take place and that there is no need for the blockades. I think dignity and the human being always has to be centre in our minds when situations like this arise,” reports RTE.
Locals have said they will continue the protest until they “get answers” about why the hotel is being used as an emergency shelter and why they were not consulted about the decision.
A delegation of local people and politicians met at Clare County Council in Ennis to raise their concerns.
Local people who attended the meeting said there was no solution to the local problems. The council explained its intention to integrate the new asylum seekers and the locals reiterated their opposition due to the lack of consultation and inappropriate location.
Maria Kerin Walsh, an artist from Bell Harbor in the north of Clare, came early to bring cakes and brownies to greet the asylum seekers.
One of the asylum seekers, Sultan Mahommad, who is from Afghanistan and has been staying in the City West asylum center for the past five months, said that he and the other men are happy to be in Co Clare and stay.
The protest worried them, but they wanted to stay, reports RTE.
The Minister of State responsible for community development and integration has asked the demonstrators to end their protest.
Speaking to Claire Byrne on RTÉs Today, Joe O’Brien said applicants for international protection who came to Co Clare were taken to three external holiday homes instead of the hotel.
Mr O’Brien said it was never intended to bring people into the hotel.
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