Clarity sought on refugee accommodation in Leitrim hotels

Concerns have been raised in Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District regarding the future use of hotels for accommodating refugees, as tourists coming into the town are struggling to find accommodation.

Cllr Paddy Farrell proposed a motion seeking support to engage with the Bush Hotel and the Leitrim Marina Hotel regarding their future plans for accommodation Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP), including Ukrainian refugees and others under similar arrangements to provide clarity on the use of these hotels.

Councillors were told by Mary Quinn, Director of Services for Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural services that Leitrim County Council does not have any authority over the management or operations of hotels.

“They’re private operators. The Bush Hotel are currently still accommodating BOTPs and the Leitrim Marina Hotel has been vacated. That’s the position as we know it,” she explained.

Further push for Lough Allen viewing bay in Leitrim

At a recent meeting of Ballinamore M.D., Cllr Brendan Barry requested funding from the M.D. to for a viewing bay overlooking Lough Allen at Cormongan.

Leitrim County Council does not have any grounds to ask what the future plans are.

Cllr Cormac Flynn commented that the lack of clarity can lead to the spread of misinformation.

“We all accept that we need to accept our fair share of people who come to this country seeking refuge, but I think clarity would be helpful.”Cllr Des Guckian said that asking questions should be part of the Council’s remit.

“We had a couple very large events here in Carrick recently and people had to travel 10 or 20 miles out to get accommodation, so it’s not good enough for people that are coming into the town,” Cllr Farrell concluded.

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