Gorey Council says ‘No’

By Dan Walsh at the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

“We must stand together with the people of Raheenagurren,” declared Cllr Donal Kenny at today’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council while discussing an application to use St. Therese’s B&B at Mount Alexander as a Direct Provision Centre with a proposed capacity of circa-50.

The proposal first became public knowledge at the September meeting of Wexford County Council and was reported by WexfordLocal.com, however, an estimated 140 people attended a public meeting in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, on Monday night, organised by Mount Alexander Resident’s Group.

Cllr Kenny raised the matter at today’s meeting held in Gorey Council Chamber with Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, in the chair.

Cllr Kenny expressed concerns on environmental grounds stating the numbers were way too high – 50 people in 12 or 14 bedrooms – with no public lighting, no transport service, close to no school.

He noted that the owner, who attended the public meeting in the hotel, “had eight businesses in Dublin doing the same thing.” Cllr Kenny said there were serious environmental issues and the residents of the area have serious concerns. “We must stand together with the people of Raheenagurren. The figures don’t stand up,” stated Cllr Kenny.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe told the meeting that “it is inappropriate to house people there. No lighting, no public transport and the nearest shop is 2kms away. “I propose that a strongly worded letter should be sent to Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s department (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) informing him that the proposal is wholly inappropriate,” stated Cllr Donohoe, who estimated some costs, and he reckoned it will cost “€3,500 per week; €24,500 per month; €245,000 over 10 weeks and reach the €1 million mark in 41 weeks.”

Cllr Andrew Bolger added his support to the local residents and noted that the sewage capacity is for 24 people, and he noted that the place was located on a lethal crossroads!

Cllrs Joe Sullivan and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin added their full support of the Council to support the residents and the Cathaoirleach noted this.

Director of Services, Liz Hore, informed the meeting that a letter had been sent to the relevant Department by County Secretary, Michael Drea, outlining the lack of appropriate services.

WexfordLocal.com notes, from the recent meeting that 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.