Kilkenny protest over IPAS accommodation met with reaction from community group

A protest took place at River View House in Kilkenny City last Friday over the decision to convert the building into an accommodation centre for international protection applicants.

The protest has since sparked a counter-voice of disapproval from a community group advocating for inclusivity and support for the new residents.

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'Kilkenny Says No', who spearheaded the protest, have since released a statement to say that "comments made by politicians in relation to an 'intervention' being needed in regards to communication and engagement are moot."

"The people of Kilkenny do not have a lack of understanding regarding the mass importation of foreign cultures and are able to think for themselves," a spokesperson from the group said.

"We have seen what the word 'intervention' really means in places like Coolock, Roscrea, Newtown Mount Kennedy and more."

The group also expressed opposition to the new EU Migration Pact and have planned to organise another protest this Friday, July 26.

Last Friday's protest was described as 'very disappointing' by a spokesperson for 'Kilkenny For All'.

"We need the councillors and elected officials who have remained silent to speak out and make clear that these views do not represent the views of the majority of local people," the spokesperson said.

"There are many different communities and cultures that make Kilkenny the vibrant place that it is and it's disappointing that visitors to Kilkenny coming down the Dublin Road would've seen this.

"We are a welcoming city and protests such as these create quite a tense atmosphere and it's also not right for Kilkenny citizens of colour to see this.

"We are pleased that Kilkenny is providing a home for people seeking safety and protection. Newcomers to our town add to our business, social and cultural life."

28 beds will be provided in River View House for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are International Protection Applicants (IPAs).

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will manage the arrival of people into this centre.

According to the Department, "The property is owned by International Systems & Equipment Ltd and White Sands Consultancy on a 48-month lease. White Sands Consultancy Ltd is operating the site with staff on-site 24 hours a day and there will be a manager and/or security staff on site at all times. The company have previous experience in the provision of accommodation centres for IPAS.

"It is not possible to say with certainty what the length of stay will be having regard to the number of IPAs arriving in Ireland and the scarcity of alternative accommodation. A one-year contract has been signed with the provider.

"All statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of emergency accommodation are being met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.

"Accommodation consists of 14 rooms with two single beds in each room and there are sufficient numbers of bathrooms at the required ratios.

"There will be a self-catering service provided on this site and residents will be provided with a weekly voucher or debit card for a local shop.

"There will be a general manager, duty manager, cleaner and two security staff. There will be security staff present 24/7 and there is also CCTV in place."