Fermoy protest group may be told to relocate as residents move into protection centre

IT is understood that a group protesting outside a north Cork international protection centre may be instructed to relocate amid concerns that their presence may be intimidatory to newly arrived residents in the building.

Some 52 people seeking international protection arrived at a new accommodation centre in Fermoy at lunchtime on Thursday and were escorted to the centre by local members of An Garda Síochána, with the public order unit in attendance in a support role.

Gardaí closed off a section of Rathealy Road on the northside of the town, allowing the group of families and children to access the rear entrance to Abbeyville House, a former bed and breakfast which has been renovated in recent months.

A group of protesters has maintained a presence outside Abbeyville House since last November, erecting a tent on the road outside the main gates.

By closing Rathealy Road, gardaí were able to escort the people seeking shelter into their accommodation without incident.

It is understood that the protesters may now be instructed to relocate to another part of the town which is sufficiently far away from the centre that their presence would not be seen as being intimidatory to the people living there.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'PROTEST AND INTIMIDATION'

A garda source said: “People have every right to protest but there is a difference between protest and intimidation”.

The protesters had, until last month, posted signs around Abbeyville House objecting to its proposed housing of “56 unvetted males”.

On February 14, the Department of Integration announced in a statement that the new centre would instead now house families.

“It is intended that 56 people in need of shelter will be accommodated at the premises shortly,” the statement said.

“While initially earmarked for adult males, there is now an acute shortage of accommodation for families and it is intended to place families and children into this property shortly.” 

Since the announcement that the centre would now house families, the group replaced their initial signs with notices protesting alleged irregularities in the planning process surrounding the change in use of Abbeyville House and questioning the building’s fire and disability certification status.

Responding to a query from The Echo earlier this month, Cork County Council confirmed that its planning department was currently reviewing the planning status of the former B&B, but a briefing note issued by the Department of Integration to local representatives in February said: “A valid fire cert is in place and has been provided to the Department. All supporting fire and insurance documentation has been received.” The Department of Integration did not respond to follow-on queries about the disability access certification status of the building.

Chris O’Connell, who is part of a group welcoming international protection seekers to the town, said volunteers and community organisations had been preparing over several months for the new arrivals.

“We have spoken to local GPs and schools, we’ve got a really good, solid plan worked out with local community workers and local youth workers, as well as local organisations who are going to offer a welcome to the families; it’s been a real community effort, and it’s going to be a real community welcome,” she said.

“We’re more than prepared, and we’re really looking forward to meeting our new neighbours over the next couple of days.” Ms O’Connell said volunteers had a serious concern that the tent, which has been outside Abbeyville House since November, would act as a focal point for intimidation of the new residents in the centre.

“It is in clear breach of Section 69 of the Roads Act 1993, which prohibits temporary residences on the roadside.” That piece of legislation states: “Any person who without lawful authority erects, places or retains a temporary dwelling on a national road, motorway, busway or protected road shall be guilty of an offence”.

Ms O’Connell added that, with children now in Abbeyville House, protesters should show compassion and go elsewhere in the town, and she questioned why gardaí had not already removed the tent.

On Thursday afternoon, a garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána does not provide comments on statements or remarks made by third parties. Inquiries regarding the management of international protection centres fall under the remit of IPAS [International Protection Accommodation Services] and [the Department of Integration].

“Local gardaí in Fermoy are maintaining close communication with all relevant authorities to ensure and uphold public safety. There have been no reports of any incidents in Fermoy today that required a policing response.” 

On Thursday night, a small group of between 15 to 20 people gathered outside Abbeyville House while two gardaí stood on duty at the gate.