Cork's Longueville House earmarked to accommodate 123 asylum seekers

ONE of north Cork’s most famed restaurants and hotels, Longueville House, has been earmarked to accommodate 123 international protection applicants, according to a briefing note sent to local TDs by the community engagement team at the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration, and Youth.

The note was sent yesterday and stipulated that the applicants would be housed in 27 rooms at the establishment near Ballyclogh, not far from the town of Mallow, and said that all ‘relevant State support services’ in the area had been informed of what was planned.

“They are preparing what additional supports will be needed to assist these people settle in to the local community,” the note said.

“Ireland is legally required under EU law to provide accommodation for people seeking international protection here. As we are sure you are aware, this is a nationwide urgent situation and emergency centres, such as this one have been opened in all parts of the country. All counties in Ireland are providing help and assistance with this.

“There have been over 190 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 26 counties. These options must be considered to prevent homelessness for people with their families and children arriving seeking international protection.”

The document seen by The Echo was sent to a number of TDs. 

Councillors contacted by this newspaper last night were unaware of the briefing note or its contents.

Longueville House and the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth were contacted for comment.