By Diarmaid Doherty
DUNGLOE businessman P.J. Boyle has this evening issued a statement which he says is in response to a recent protest in the town, and to the accusations which have been levelled at him.
He said that in response to the upset and unrest in the Rosses and the wider community, his business has taken the tough decision that they can no longer accept individuals sent from the housing sector of local government.
Up to 400 people attended a protest in Dungloe on Sunday afternoon where locals voiced their frustration and anger at the fact that Mr. Boyle’s businesses are accommodating people awaiting permanent housing.
They pointed to incidents of anti-social behaviour which have occurred in the town recently.
Mr. Boyle, in his statement, said none of his premises were designed or fashioned with a view to attracting or accommodating anybody with anti-social tendencies.
His statement reads in full:
Over the last couple of years we have engaged with local authorities in Donegal to house people identified as social housing applicants availing of Homeless vouchers and awaiting permanent housing. These individuals were residing with us on a bed and breakfast basis.
My understanding is the applicants arrive at our premises after a phone call from the housing department from a housing officer asking if we have vacancies. Once it is established that we have a vacancy, the person or persons are given our details and contact us directly.
We are not privy to their social standing, personal data, including criminal record nor any medical history.
We are not authorised nor have we have any authority to vet people. We accept people on the basis that the local authority as a housing authority deem the people suitable to be provided with temporary accommodation at one our locations. We do not discriminate against people based on race, religion or gender orientation.
In response to the upset and unrest in the Rosses and the wider community we have taken the tough decision that we can no longer accept individuals sent from the housing sector of local government.
My cousin and I own several businesses in the Dungloe area of which I am the Director, including two hotels, a bed and breakfast and a hostel, along with several buildings all designed for hospitality. We have not designed nor fashioned any of these premises with a view to attract or accommodate anybody with anti-social tendencies. We take it that the local government agencies who request temporary accommodation for individuals deem them suitable to be accommodated at one of our venues. We employ approximately 120 people in the locality.
Although I cannot speak about individuals nor do I wish to, I would like to state the following as fact.
From April 2022 until July 2024 we housed a number of people under the DCEDIY (Ukrainian refugees) scheme
We do not and have never accommodated any persons identified on the IPPS scheme (International protection procurement services)
My understanding is the last voucher issued to us by local authorities Expired! on Thursday, the 19th of December, 2024
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