By David Young, PA
The Department of Integration has said it will continue to engage on the potential of using a hotel in Co Mayo to house asylum seekers – a proposal that prompted a protest outside the premises.
The demonstration outside the former JJ Gannon’s Hotel on Main Street in the town of Ballinrobe began on Friday evening after it emerged that there were plans to accommodate 50 international protection applicants in the building from this coming Monday.
The plan involved using 12 rooms to accommodate 50 adult male asylum seekers. The lease was to be for a period of one year.
Local Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke claimed on Saturday that the lease for the proposal had been withdrawn following the protest.
“I am delighted with this announcement and it’s a good result for all the people that turned out last night and has been in contact with me over the past 24 hours,” he posted on social media.
“Thank you everyone for the support.”
Later on Saturday, the Department of Integration said in a statement that engagement on the issue continued.
“The Department is continuing to engage with the provider in relation to the premises in Ballinrobe, and is not in a position to comment further,” the department said.
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