Notice received by residents to leave Kildare direct provision centre ‘inhumane’

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has said the notice given to families in direct provision at the Eyre Powell hotel in Newbridge, Co Kildare was “inhumane.”

This hotel has been a direct provision centre for about 25 years, and is home to families, children, and adults.

“Many of these families, adults and children have found Newbridge to be their home. They all contribute constantly to our local economy, and many of those children have places in schools here”, Senator O'Loughlin said this week.

“In fact, 37 children have places in schools in Newbridge, six of these undergoing State exams later this year. Alongside this, many of their parents contribute on a voluntary or involuntary basis to our town and community. Newbridge has been their home”, she said.

Senator O’Loughlin said she was made aware of the displacement of those in the Eyre Powell Hotel when she was inundated with phone calls from concerned constituents.

READ NEXT: Planning application for €623k office/warehouse development in Kildare

“To my knowledge, I was informed that these people were given less than 24 hours’ notice and that they would have to move from Eyre Powell Hotel due to a fire hazard. Seemingly this fire hazard was spotted 18 months ago, and the owner has been asked to address it, and they have not done so.

“In my opinion, this is irresponsible and inhumane. These families deserved better; these families contribute to our local economy”, she said.

Senator O'Loughlin concluded: “Thankfully we have had some reprieve, and I am calling on the State bodies to think more logically and attentively if these situations were to arise again. I have been working with Government bodies, and IPAS on this, and will continue to do so on this. I certainly hope that we will be able to support those people going forward.”