Clarity sought on plan for 131 asylum seekers bound for Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council and a local TD are seeking further details regarding a plan to house 131 asylum seekers in Kilkenny.

The Kilkenny Inn has been contracted by IPAS to provide accommodation, with the Department warning there was in excess of 60 accommodation locations used in 2022 across 17 counties. "These options must be considered to prevent homelessness for the unprecedented numbers of people arriving seeking international protection," said a statement.

Director of services Fiona Deegan told the Kilkenny People that the local authority is seeking clarity from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on how many International Protection applicants will be housed in Kilkenny City and what buildings will be used.

“We have sought clarification from the Department and we are awaiting a response. We have been made aware that approximately 120 asylum seekers are coming to Kilkenny under the International Protection Programme, but we have not been officially informed by the Department,” added Ms Deegan, who oversees the Management of Displaced Ukrainian Persons in Kilkenny.

Ms Deegan explained that the local authority has no role in the provision of accommodation to persons under the International Protection programme, adding that any building used for this purpose will have to comply with the relevant fire safety regulations.

Local TD John McGuinness has raised concerns, and said that there had been ‘no consultation’ with public representatives.

“There has been no consultation with public representatives and Kilkenny County Council,” he said. The TD has also raised serious concerns about the lack of existing services in the area.

“The Government are creating difficulties for the people coming here and for the people who are living here. There needs to be some sort of pause,” said Deputy McGuinness, who learned of the news on Friday also. The Fianna Fail TD said the Government needs to ‘get their act together’ on the issue’.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said that the move would be supported by local agencies and volunteers in Kilkenny.

“We are facing unprecedented humanitarian challenges, where more and more people around the world are being displaced due to conflict, resource scarcity and climate change,” he said.

“The people of Ireland have responded with open hearts to the State’s obligation to provide safe harbour for both Ukrainian families and International Protection refugees. The arrival of this group of people will be supported by local agencies and volunteers, and I have no doubt that the people of Kilkenny will welcome them, as we have done with those from Ukraine.”