Asylum seekers ‘have integrated well’ in Macroom

Asylum seekers arrived in Macroom in mid-August, with the Department of Justice confirming it was leasing the hotel to provide emergency accommodation for asylum seekers.
“As for a shuttle bus, it is hard for people to get to Cork city. They may need to go to the city to attend religious services, as there is no mosque in Macroom, or to meet with their solicitor.“The bus from Cork to Macroom is €19, adult return. If you are only on €38 per week, that is a lot of money.”
The department also said the hotel is not being turned into a permanent direct provision centre. Asylum seekers are being increasingly housed in temporary accommodation because all of the country’s direct provision centres are full.