Plans to bring asylum seekers to Donegal thrown into further doubt

Plans to bring asylum seekers to Inishowen have been thrown into doubt this week with the Government said to be revising their initial plans.

The Government had planned to bring around 100 asylum seekers to new provision direct centre in Moville.

Extensive damage was caused to the Caiseal Mara Hotel in Moville late last year after it was attacked by arsonists.

It is understood that the Department of Justice agreed on a one-year fixed contract with Bridgestock Ltd to run a provision direct centre at the premises in Inishowen.

However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) told Donegal Daily that the planned arrival of asylum seekers to Caiseal Mara Hotel from several countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan and Congo, was under ‘review’.

In a statement, the DOJ said: “All prospective new accommodation centres, including Moville, are subject to an ongoing review process to determine their suitability.

“This is subject to ongoing review.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice also confirmed that the Reception and Integration Agency continues to fund 24-hour security services at the hotel on the Inishowen peninsula – a bill of €3,700 per week.

“The Department can confirm that RIA continues to pay for security at the Caiseal Mara premises, as it maintains an interest in the project,” the statement read.

“There is an average weekly spend of €3,700 on security at the premises.”