Asylum seeker found dead near direct provision centre in Monasterevin

The Department of Justice is examining the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of an asylum seeker whose body was found near a direct provision centre in Monasterevin yesterday morning.

Gardaí were called to the former Hazel Hotel on the Portlaoise Road yesterday morning after the body of the man was found nearby, the Irish Times reports.

It is understood the man was from Eritrea in Africa and had been living at the centre for more than six months.

Residents at the centre were notified of the death yesterday.

A Department of Justice spokesman said the Department was aware of the “very sad death” of a resident from the centre and that the circumstances surrounding the death were being examined.

Arrangements are being made for friends and family to be informed, he said.

The HSE has arrangements are being made to provide appropriate support for other residents in the direct provision centre in Monasterevin.

Gardai said the death is not being treated as suspicious.