Longford councillors told there is 'no solid information' on plan to house refugees in Edgeworthstown

Following the arson attack on a Lanesboro property that was earmarked to house Ukrainian refugees, it emerged during last Wednesday’s meeting of Longford County Council that the Park House Hotel in Edgeworthstown was also being considered as a location for housing refugees seeking international asylum.

Cllr Turlough McGovern asked the Executive if they were aware of the plans.

“I see work going on at the Park House in Edgeworthstown. Does anyone know if there are families going into it? The people of the area are inquisitive about what is happening,” Cllr McGovern said in the chamber.

Director of Services with responsibility for Enterprise and Ukrainian Humanitarian Response, Michael Nevin, said the council was not directly liaising with the property owner.

Mr Nevin explained, “Some projects come through the local authority, but some go directly through the Department. We have no solid information on the Park House.

“We are aware there has been work taking place there over the last couple of weeks. We are trying to determine further information on the status and we will get back to you on that,” Mr Nevin told the councillors.

Weather expert explains why Storm Jocelyn may have sounded worse than Isha

Storm Jocelyn was the subject of a series of Met Éireann weather warning overnight on Tuesday

The Longford Leader put a query into the Department of Children Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to the situation in Edgeworthstown, however, they hadn’t replied by the time of going to press.

In the aftermath of fire at the former convent in Lanesboro, a spokesperson from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth outlined, "The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth received an offer of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) for the former Convent building, Main Street, Lanesboro, Co Longford.

"The property was offered to provide accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

"The property is currently undergoing refurbishment as part of the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

"For any alleged incident at an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centre, the centre is required to provide an incident report and the matter will be investigated by IPAS, as appropriate.

"Where An Garda Síochána are already involved, the Department is precluded from commenting as it may prejudice any consequent investigation or court case."

It was subsequently confirmed and announced at Wednesday’s County Council meeting that the developer behind the plans to provide accommodation for Ukrainian families in the former convent in Lanesboro had decided to abandon the plan “for his own safety and the safety of his family”.

Many Longford homes, farms and businesses without power as Storm Jocelyn hits

ESB Networks warns thousands of customers will be without power overnight

Local Fianna Fáil TD and Lanesboro native Joe Flaherty condemned the malicious fire.

Deputy Flaherty stated, "Whilst I understand and appreciate the concern and reservations of the local community regarding any plans for the building as an accommodation centre, arson is reckless and endangers lives.

"It is deeply alarming to learn that efforts were made to burn the building at six different locations and accelerants were used.
"I commend the local fire staff who brought the situation under control. This is not an isolated, standalone building. It is on a busy Main Street and neighbours commercial buildings and a number of residential properties.

"I grew up in Lanesboro and am as passionate about the community as the next man, however, burning buildings is not reflective of the local community.

"At the end of the day, these are families fleeing the horror of war in their home country."

While calling for a full investigation into the Lanesboro fire, Sinn Fein TD, Sorca Clarke also took the opportunity to highlight that she received no invitation to Tuesday's briefing meeting in regards to the plans for the former convent property.

In a statement, Deputy Clarke commented, “It is my understanding that the property had been earmarked for Ukrainian refugees in May. It is also my understanding that a meeting took place between the owner of the property, Longford County Council chiefs, and local independent and Fine Gael councillors recently.

“It is another example of government officials’ lack of communication as I myself received no invitation or notice of this meeting.

"I would hope that the department would be more transparent in future when it comes to informing local representatives on these matters.”

Longford winners in ‘Someone Like Me’ national art competition receive prizes