KILDARE: Councillors Rob Power and Chris Pender comment on accommodation of asylum seekers in Newbridge

Fianna Fáil Cllr Rob Power and Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender have both delivered their views on the current situation surrounding The Gables in Newbridge.

Last week, it was announced that the site would be used to accommodate 100 male International Protection Applicants (IPAs), also known as asylum seekers, and yesterday, a meeting made up of 20 to 25 local residents took place outside The Gables, where they discussed their concerns. 

Speaking to host Eoin Beatty on Kildare FM Radio this morning, Cllr Power told Mr Beatty that he was surprised to be given a briefing document for The Gables from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth last Thursday, calling it an 'unusual' but 'welcome' move.

He stressed the importance of the Department liasing with the IPAs, in order to assess the men's needs, especially when it comes to language barriers and their personal welfare.

Cllr Power also emphasised that the Department will be in close contact with local councillors.

In addition, Cllr Power criticised what he described as 'a system that profits from people fleeing war.'

He said that he understood local's concerns about a lack of facilities within Newbridge, but added that this 'is not the fault of those coming in (to the Gables), it is the fault of the system.'

"The people of Newbridge are generally very good and very welcoming," he added.

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Mr Beatty mentioned to Cllr Power that there appears to have been 'a mixed reaction' to the news from locals, with many expressing a concern about the men 'being unvetted.'

In response, Cllr Power said that locals 'had absolutely justified questions', adding: "We (as councillors) need to talk to the Department to see that these resources are delivered.

"But at the same time, we also need to look at people who are trying to turn this situation around into something completely negative... I encourage people to talk to their councillors and relay their concerns to them, but I won't tolerate name-calling.

"There is a reason I have not engaged with certain people who have messaged me on social media."

Cllr Power also said that people should feel safe 'to ask questions without fear of being labelled as racist.'

Speaking to Cllr Pender, Mr Beatty brought up the ongoing issues in Newbridge related to housing, health, traffic issues and school places.

In response, Cllr Pender said: "Yes, but this is also an argument against any housing or apartment development in the town."

He added: "One benefit of the IPAs being all male is that there won't be an extra strain when it comes to school places.

"I don't see them having much impact on traffic in the town either."

Cllr Pender pointed out that IPAs are entitled to seek work and educational courses in Ireland.

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He also said, as a further example: "They will struggle to find GPs too if they enter into the public system."

Similarly to Cllr Power, Cllr Pender said that he will respond to people about their concerns, but stressed that he would not respond to abusive messages.

He explained: "I have received some horrific messages (recently).

"I also received a phone call where I was asked to come down (to the aforementioned meeting on Saturday), and I said: 'If I knew what the concerns were I would go down', but given some of the things I have seen in the media, I'm concerned about my own safety;" likely referring to the incident that occurred outside Dáil Éireann last week, which saw a number of political representatives being verbally abused and heckled by alleged far-right protestors.

Cllr Power added: "We need to get a lot of positivity from this. If anyone is in support, please get in touch (with us)."

He also reiterated his view that he believes the majority of Newbridge residents would welcome the IPAs.

Three listeners who called in expressed support for the IPAs, with one commenting: "Newbridge has been left behind for too long, but that's not the fault of the IPAs."

In contrast, two other listeners were more critical: one user cited the 'unvetted' argument, while another questioned the extent of the welfare entitlements to the IPAs.