Local TD describes system of accommodating, and processing asylum seekers as 'broken'

A local TD has moved this morning to ease concerns in Ballyshannon in relation to reports of a large number of male refugees arriving in the town. There were angry scenes at a public meeting on Thursday night which was called to discuss the issue. It was announced last week that 90 male asylum seekers would be accommodated at Cavangarden Bed and Breakfast, located just off the N15. In a statement, Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny says he has spoken to the owner of the accommodation who had agreed to place the accommodation with a management company that would run the facility. The owner informed Deputy Kenny that it was his understanding there would be families housed in the accommodation. The owner of the facility has provided assurances that no leas has been signed. The Sligo Leitrim TD has sked IPAS, the government agency who contract accommodation, for an update in relation to the contract with the management company. The Sinn Fein TD added that the government system around accommodating, and processing asylum seekers is broken. Meanwhile, when asked to comment on a fire at a former hotel in Galway, Deputy Kenny strongly condemned the incident. The location in Rosscahill, near Oughterard had been earmarked for 70 asylum seekers to be moved into this week. The plans were met with strong local opposition. Protestors - who claim the location is inappropriate for refugees - had formed a blockade at the entrance of the site on Saturday. The Sinn Féin TD says those who caused the damage need to be held accountable