The decision to pause the eviction of former asylum seekers in Borrisokane has been given a guarded welcome by local TDs.
They were among 96 people who called the Riverside Accommodation Centre home since 2019 – their applications have since been approved.
Locals in Borrisokane reacted angrily when news broke that the families who have been living in the town for the last five years were facing eviction to make way for International Protection Applicants.
They have become part of the fabric of the community with a number of children attending local schools with locals
Deputy Michael Lowry has welcomed the decision to hold off on the evictions.
He says an assurance was given that, if and when the families gained Leave to Remain status and the right to stay in Ireland, they would be afforded the option of remaining in the Riverside Centre if they wished to do so, with financial support from the Housing Assistance Payment.
Meanwhile Deputy Alan Kelly says Minister Roderic O’Gorman needs to make a full decision in relation to the future of the residents in the Riverside Centre.
He says it should be a condition that accommodation suppliers like those in Borrisokane should have to take HAP for a number of years after status is given to their residents.
The Labour TD says it’s not acceptable that these suppliers refuse to take HAP. If that is the case and it is allowed to continue then it’s just the state incentivising greed.
