A high turnout of people at a welcoming committee meeting in Moville has been described as a powerful community statement ahead of the arrival of asylum seekers.
A packed meeting in the Methodist Hall was held on Sunday, just hours after an arson attack was carried out at the Caiseal Mara Hotel where the asylum seekers are due to stay.
More than 100 refugees will stay in the hotel, which will become a Direct Provision Centre in the seaside town in the coming weeks.
A community group called Failte Inishowen held a meeting on Sunday to prepare to welcome the asylum seekers. Guest speakers included people who had come through Direct Provision. Local community representatives from schools, the library, family centres and political groups also spoke about the support they can offer incoming residents.
Deputy Pringle said the meeting showed “clearly to the racists that attacked The Caiseal Mara Hotel on Saturday night what the people of Moville really think of them and their tactics”.
“There wasn’t even standing room in the Methodist Hall to hear the thoughts of former asylum seekers Lucky Khambule and Vukasin Nedeljkovic on the direct provision system and the needs of the asylum seekers that will come and the support they will need from the community.
“The community came out in force to say that they will get that help from them,” said Deputy Pringle.
He added: “It was a powerful answer from the community and a great tribute to the people of Moville that so many people came to show their support after such a devastating attack was carried out on the centre.
“The support is there and the community are ready to help in every way they can. There will be a lot of work to be done over the coming months and years but I have no doubt that the community will give a real Donegal welcome to the asylum seekers and they and the community will benefit from that experience” concludes Pringle.
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