By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting
A call for openness and transparency and update information demanded by the public to establish the facts, driven by rumours at this stage, concerning plans for a Direct Provision Centre at Rosslare Harbour and another outside Gorey dominated proceedings at today’s meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn Headquarters. Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, presided.
The matter was first raised by Cllr Ger Carthy who questioned the meeting about proposals for a Provision Centre on the old Great Southern Hotel site at Rosslare Harbour. He called for a meeting with the relevant Department and said that the people of Rosslare Harbour were looking for answers as to why plans for a 90-bed nursing home, which was welcome in the community, had been shelved in favour of a Direct Provision Centre.
Cllr Carthy said Rosslare Harbour welcomed refugees, fundraised over €120,000 and the community was most helpful, but he said; “It has now reached saturation point and all the services are inadequate and the community cannot do anymore.”
Cllr George Lawlor supported Cllr Carthy. “The goodwill generated at Rosslare Harbour will be thrown out the door and the people working with refugees say this will not work! And these are people who have stood up to the plate.”
Cllr Lisa McDonald added her support. She pointed out the need for proper services and the need for nursing home spaces as people are “under serious pressure.” She added that “nobody is anti-anything here” but there is a serious lack of services in the area and these matters should be addressed.
Chief Executive Tom Enright pointed out that “its is a privately owned property and this is a commercial decision” and he saw the role of Wexford County Council as ensuring that “planning, building and fire regulations” meeting the required standards.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin requested information on St. Therese’s B&B, Mount Alexander, Gorey, where there is a proposal to create a Direct Provision Centre for 50 people. “There are no footpaths, no lighting on the narrow and dangerous road. Speculators buying such buildings as investment opportunities. It is entirely unsuitable.”
Cllr Ó Súilleabháin was supported by his district colleagues Cllr Diarmuid Devereux and Cllr Joe Sullivan who was concerned how St. Therese’s were going to “fit 50 people into 12 bedrooms in the house?”
Cllr Davy Hynes made reference to Slaney Manor and the former Garda Station in Wexford town. “No one knows anything. There is no consultation. People are buying properties and can do what they like with them?”, he added.
Cllr Pat Bardon made a reference to Cedar Lodge at Carrigbyrne and stated; “Who is occupying the property the locals want to know?”
As regards the official situation, WexfordLocal.com has obtained the following information, which we believe is the current position regards these applications;
Planning had been received for a new 90-bed nursing home on the site of the old Great Southern Hotel in Rosslare Harbour, the property changed ownership and since then, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth received a proposal to utilise the property for temporary accommodation for international protection applicants.
The Planning Department (Enforcement) of Wexford County Council has written to the property developers to advise them of their obligations under planning and building control.
A second property in North Wexford, St. Therese’s B&B at Mount Alexander, Gorey, Y25 P285, with a proposed capacity of circa-50 is also under consideration.
The Department of Children has been requested to inform Wexford County Council of any final decision made and to ensure that a communications protocol is implemented by the Department should these proposals proceed.
WexfordLocal.com 