Department 'failed on communication' regarding possible housing of migrants in Cork, politicians say

Councillors have called for more transparency from the Department of Integration regarding the housing of refugees, following days of back and forth in Cork city.

Rumours began circulating last week that the former Ennismore Retreat Centre was to be used for international protection applicants, which Cork City Council said at the time were “completely false”.

At the beginning of this week, the department told The Echo that it was “responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property,” and that discussions with the provider were “at an advanced stage” to house Ukrainian refugees.

Protests were subsequently mounted, with anti-immigration protestors from around Ireland joining residents to blockade the entry to the site.

The following day, the department confirmed that the offer was not being progressed. They confirmed that the premises is not intended for use by Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (those fleeing the war in Ukraine) or International Protection applicants from elsewhere in the world.

Several representatives for the area have criticised the department’s handling of the situation, saying that the back and forth stoked fear and hatred.

“The department has certainly failed here in terms of effective and clear communication,” Workers’ Party councillor Ted Tynan told The Echo.

“Public representatives have the right to clear and concise information from the department, and not being able to deliver this to constituents has negative effects on our democracy. This only served to further inflame tensions in the area.

“The government must start taking misinformation seriously and accept responsibility for the role they had to play in bolstering it in Mayfield.” 

TD Mick Barry and councillor Brian McCarthy said in a joint statement: “There has been a conscious attempt to spread fear and misinformation,” by anti-migrant activists, and that the government have added to this confusion and anger."

The Socialist Party members continued: “The organisers of this protest were not ordinary people concerned about housing but far right political activists who don't represent the views of the vast majority in Mayfield."

Independent councillor Ger Keohane asked the Department of Integration “to learn and take on board the multiple mistakes they are making by the lack of communication by not informing communities about proposals to house refugees”.

“Because of the department’s actions, they are causing fear and hatred among communities,” he said. “In my opinion the department are showing a complete lack of respect to local councillors and local authorities.” 

Meanwhile, Independent councillor Ken O’Flynn said: “The information disseminated through the office of the minister was regrettably subpar, and the lack of effective communication has exacerbated the situation, causing further distress in the community.

“It is disheartening to witness a disconnect between the department's rhetoric on integration and acceptance and their actual communication practices. I firmly believe that this entire situation could have been avoided with clear, honest, and professionally written communication,” he added.