Government reverses decision to house male asylum seekers in Carlow friary
This is the second time in the week, the government have reversed on their decision
Families will be offered shelter at the Capuchin Friary building located on Dublin Street, Carlow Town after the government axed its plans to house 50 adult male international protection applicants.
This is the second time in the week, the government have reversed on their decision to house asylum seekers in a rural setting.
Plans to accommodate asylum seekers in a disused hotel in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo was also called off due to protesters in the local area.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth originally issued a document confirming that the Capuchin building located on Dublin Street, Carlow Town will be providing accommodation for 50 adult male international protection applicants.
The document stated a total of fifteen rooms will be provided for the fifty males in the refurbished building on Dublin Street as early as next week.
The document also stated that 'it is not possible to say with certainty what the length of stay will be having regard to the number of IP applicants arriving in Ireland and the scarcity of alternative accommodation.'
'A one-year contract has been signed with the provider.'
The property is owned by Baltinglass businessman Joseph Germaine.
On Wednesday, January 10, local residents gathered outside the Capuchin building in protest.
The protest commenced at 9.30am Wednesday morning and took place for a full 24hrs, until 9.30am Thursday morning, January 11.
The protesters spoke to Carlow Live with one saying 'Children's lives are at stake' and another pleading 'Put the Irish first.'
One protestor on site had a sign stating, 'Carlow says no to unvetted men - no no no!'