The apartments on the Port Road which are being readied as a Direct Provision Centre.
The Mayor and Members of the Letterkenny – Milford Municipal District met with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth this week to discuss the opening of the new accommodation centre in Letterkenny for families seeking international protection.
The members, who were only notified on Friday last, 27th November 2020, expressed disappointment that there was no opportunity for the Elected Members and the community to engage in the process from the outset.
At the meeting, the Elected Members sought assurances that the facilities provided will be fit for purpose and assurances that all supports and services necessary to meet the needs of the families, particularly in terms of access to education and health services, will be provided and will not impact on the services already being provided in the community.
The Members welcomed that families seeking international protection will have access to their own accommodation through this new centre and on a phased basis from the end of January 2021 onwards but reiterated the need to keep the community informed on developments, which Department Officials have agreed to do through a further meeting with the Elected Members in mid January 2021. The Council was pleased to hear that a number of local groups have already made contact with the Department to offer their support and assistance to the families.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)
Every Thursday
Every Monday
Posted: 3:01 pm December 4, 2020