Locals hold meeting outside property in Newbridge, County Kildare where asylum seekers are due to be accommodated

A number of concerned locals held a solidarity event outside The Gables property in the town of Newbridge today as part of an event which was organised through Facebook.

Between 20 and 25 people held a discussion around their concerns surrounding the announcement from earlier this week that 100 male International Protection Applicants (IPAs) would be accommodated at former B&B. The nationalities of the asylum seekers were not specified. 

IPAs are distinct from Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (also known as BOTPs), which refers to displaced Ukrainian nationals.

Two gardaí arrived to monitor the situation outside The Gables, and spoke to the attendees for around two to three minutes before leaving.

VIEWS ON THE GROUND

The Leinster Leader spoke to one woman, who did not wish to give her name, who pointed to the lack of political representatives at the meeting.

She asked: "Where are the councillors?", while another woman, who also wished to remain anonymous, claimed that a number of locals were afraid to turn up to the meeting 'for fear of being labelled racist or far-right.'

One local man, who gave his name as William, said that he 'has a lot of sympathy for refugees.'

However, he said he took issue with present EU directives which 'seem to want Ireland to share the burden' (of accommodating IPAs).

He said: "It would be unfair to expose them to people (nearby) who are wealthier, it could create a sense of inequality (in the area)."

Another woman who gave her name as Shannon said: "My main concern is, why is it all men of fighting age? Where are the women and children? And what about the Irish homeless?"

Another woman said that she feels saddened by the loss of the pool and leisure facilities in The Gables for locals.

One woman said that she knew of a young Irish mother is couch-surfing at present with a young child, and cannot seem to secure accommodation for herself.

"This has nothing to do with the fact that the men are foreign, it comes down to: 'why is there no help for the locals?'

Similar to the initial public consultation surrounding the potential installation of modular homes for displaced Ukrainians in the Lakeside Park/Highfield/Dara Park area in Newbridge, the general consensus of the attendees revolved around concerns such has the apparent lack of communication from the government.

NFA STATEMENT

The community group Newbridge4 For All (NFA) has also issued a new statement regarding the situation.

NFA said:"We are reaching out to those of you who have 'signed-up' to the Values of Newbridge for All. 

"Some of you may have already heard that The Gables in Newbridge has been contracted for 12 months to host young men seeking safety in our community who are currently awaiting status for international protection. 

"The people arriving in Newbridge are here seeking safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. It is our moral duty to extend a welcoming hand and a warm heart to those who have experienced unimaginable hardships."

The group continued:"Offering refuge to those in dire need is a testament to our community's compassion and humanity; it reminds us of the importance of standing together and providing hope to those who have lost so much.

"Those who have travelled here have demonstrated incredible resilience and determination in the face of adversity and so we must embrace them in the spirit of true solidarity.

!Some people may want to divide us by spreading fear and misinformation about people seeking refuge coming into our communities because they have nothing else to offer but we must show that together we are stronger than fear and we must come together as a community to dispel any attempt to drum up hate and fear. 

"We may need to call on you in the next short while to offer solidarity in terms of practical support and community goodwill and we would very much appreciate it if you used your community links and influence to support those coming into our community in any way you can.

"In the meantime, please keep an eye on our social media for further information."

Evonne Boland, who serves on NFA's co-ordination team, added: "We are heartened by the many messages of solidarity and offers of practical support received since the news broke this week regarding the plans for The Gables, Newbridge.

Offers ranging from language support, meeting spaces, creative and theatrical workshops, volunteering opportunities and much more have been received from the local community - both groups and individuals.

"It is reassuring to see the community rallying to welcome and support those in need in this way."

She concluded: "We welcome anyone who would like to contribute to this community response to get in touch with us via our social media or on newbridge4all@gmail.com."

Update: According to the Facebook page Newbridge - Concerned Parents Alliance, there are plans for a follow-up event at The Gables on Wednesday, September 27 at 7pm.