BREAKING KILDARE NEWS: 94 asylum seekers to be accommodated in Athy

A Kildare-based Senator has told the Leinster Leader that nearly 100 asylum seekers will be temporarily accommodated in Athy.

Labour Party Senator Mark Wall said that 94 asylum seekers will be residing at The Abbey Hotel for seven weeks.

In addition, the The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has confirmed that those that will be placed in accommodation will be mostly families, with some single women and children.

According to a document outlining the Department's plans which were seen by the Leader, Hemstil Limited are the owners and will be operating on site.

The document notes that owners have no previous experience, but will be providing the short-term emergency accommodation.

It also notes that there will be a team of staff on duty at all times throughout the day, and there will be night porters to cover night shifts.

In addition, there will be security on site 24 hours per day, and the building has a fire certificate in place.

The Department also said in the document that most of the residents will be new arrivals.

The residents will also be able to access health services through mainstream services: primary care, GP and emergency services.

Any applicant residing in the accommodation is entitled to a medical card.

An adult resident will receive an allowance of €38.80 per week while a parent is entitled to €29.80 to cover essentials for their child.

Residents will also get three meals per day.

The adults will be entitled to work in Ireland after six months.

They may also may avail of English language classes through their local Education Training Board, and children will attend school during the day.