Protestors gather around Cork centre as clarity is sought over its use to house refugees
It comes as a Cork TD said he received confirmation that the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team is at advanced stages of discussions around using the centre for accommodation for refugees. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
A LARGE crowd gathered on Monday night outside the former Ennismore Retreat Centre in Cork city after a Cork TD said he had received confirmation that discussions about using the facility as an accommodation centre for refugees were at advanced stages.
Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould has received correspondence from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth which states that “UCTAT is responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property."
The correspondence adds: "Discussions with the provider are at an advanced stage, and a full assessment of the property is currently taking place.
“The Cork City Council have been consulted on the suitability of this accommodation. Should it be deemed suitable for accommodation of BOTPs, the Community Engagement Team will provide detailed information in direct engagements with elected representatives in advance.”
Last week, Cork City Council had told : “the Asset Management Company responsible for the operation of the Ennismore Retreat Centre has confirmed to the City Council that rumours surrounding [sic] are completely false.”
Speaking to , Deputy Gould said: “Last week, we saw Cork City Council deny rumours that Ennismore was to be used to provide accommodation to refugees.
“I now have an email from the Department confirming that this site is at advanced stages to be used for Ukrainians seeking temporary protection and that Cork City Council have been consulted about it.
"The community need to know what the answer is here."
“We need urgent clarity and I am calling on the Minister, Roderic O’Gorman, to come to Cork to meet with the Council, with councillors and most importantly with the community and give people the answers they deserve," he said.
“This situation is a shocking indictment of the government’s complete failure to manage the constraints in accommodation for those seeking protection. They are causing confusion and anger in local communities by failing to give clear, correct information when asked.
“The local community are strong and have always been welcoming. Sowing division and creating mistrust does nothing for the community and does nothing for the vulnerable people who may be moving into Ennismore.
“The blame for any anger lies at the feet of the government who have once again shown that they do not have communities, or those seeking protection in this state, at the heart of their approach.”
He told , “I was contacted by residents about it, then I saw on local media that the council had said there was no truth to the rumour, then I get back a response confirming that it was being used.
“This is what leads to all the confusion, and this is a big part of the problem,” he said, adding “it’s important that people know what’s happening.”
“As a local representative that’s my job, I’m just trying to find out information,” Deputy Gould said.
“The people of Mayfield are great people, all they’re looking to know is what’s happening, and that they’re kept informed.”
has reached out to Cork City Council and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for comment.
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