Protest in Cork city amid calls for clarity on refugee housing

A protest began in the city tonight following confirmation that the site is being considered as accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould received confirmation that the Ukraine Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team is at advanced stages of discussions around using the former Ennismore Retreat Centre to house refugees.

Concerned

There were more than 100 people in attendance tonight, and some of those there said that they were concerned for the safety of their children, and suggested that the building should be used to house Irish homeless people, saying: 

“We don’t know who these people moving in here are, we should be looking after our own homeless first.”

They told The Echo “we’re not racist — just concerned parents”, and, “we don’t have a problem with immigrants, the problem is with the Government”.

One local woman shared that she has taken in her own sister who was homeless due to there being nowhere else to go, and called for more infrastructure before Ireland takes in people of other nationalities.

Strain on resources

One young man said that he was mixed race himself, and didn’t have a problem with any race, but that there is a huge strain on resources, explaining that his pregnant wife couldn’t get a GP appointment recently and had to go to the hospital instead.

“Help the Irish, then we can help the rest,” he said.

Attendees at the protest included anti-migrant protestor Derek Blighe, who was one of a number of people who shared video from the event.

This afternoon, Mr Gould shared an email with The Echo from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth which said: “UCTAT is responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. 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.”

A spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo on January 17, “the asset management company responsible for the operation of the Ennismore Retreat Centre has confirmed to the City Council that rumours surrounding it are completely false.”

Mr 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.

“So we have Government councillors saying one thing very strongly and a Government minister saying another. The community need to know what the answer is here.

Clarity

“We need urgent clarity and I am calling on the minister, Roderic O’Gorman, to come to Cork to meet with the council, councillors and most importantly with the community and give people the answers they deserve.

“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.

“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.”

A Department of Integration spokesperson confirmed to The Echo: “The Department is responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. Discussions with the provider are at an advanced stage, and a full assessment of the property is currently taking place.”