Kildare TD offers update on The Waterways in Sallins

A TD from County Kildare has talked further about the situation relating to The Waterways in Sallins.

Earlier this month, it was reported that International Protection Applicants (IPAs), also known as asylum seekers, were due to be accommodated at the site, which has never been used.

The news prompted mixed reaction amongst locals, and a peaceful protest by those critical of the decision took place on Thursday, September 21 last.

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, James Lawless, appeared on Kildare FM radio station earlier this morning to discuss the situation again with host Eoin Beatty.

When he was asked by Mr Beatty if the arrival and accommodation of the IPAs was in conflict with the current state of Ireland's apparent housing crisis, Mr Lawless replied: "There is no doubt that he country is struggling and that the government is struggling; it is an emergency situation we are facing.

"I have a lot of sympathy with that view, the country is stretched, and it is not good to see people in tents."

James Lawless TD (Fianna Fáil).

He added: "The government is pouring billions upon billions into housing, but modular accommodation is one of those things that could be deployed to help ease the housing crisis."

Mr Lawless said that there seemed to be reluctance over this due to the mica and pyrite controversies.

He also told Mr Beatty that he has met with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which is headed by Green Party Minister Roderic O' Gorman, to discuss the issue.

When Mr Beatty put it to Mr Lawless about why The Waterways was never opened and was 'left to gather cobwebs', Mr Lawless responded: "I'm not sure if the government would have shared the information if I hadn't raised the question... The communication is coming better late than never.

"I really pressed on Minister O'Gorman that consultation with locals needs to happen, I sat down with a team with the Department last night on how to progress things, because we need info and we need it fast."

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OCCUPANTS

When asked about contracts potentially being signed, Mr Lawless said: "Contracts have not been signed, but I would say that it is imminent."

He also said that he was informed that 100 IPAs would be accommodated at the site, and would be made up of a mix of couples and singles of all genders.

In addition, he said that it is being considered to accommodate families there too.

Mr Lawless added: "There will be another engagement (with the Department) in two weeks time."

He also pointed to a recent meeting in Sallins, where he said: "Things got a bit heated at times, but it allowed people to get things off their chest."

Mr Beatty asked Mr Lawless about vetting concerns from certain locals.

In response, Mr Lawless said: "I was told previously that they would be vetted. Now, certain people cannot be considered vetted from certain countries, like, say, Afghanistan, where the Taliban rules.

"Every IPA goes through a three-hour interview with the International Protection Office, where they are assessed for their sincerity."

He also said that the IPAs 'may be able to work after six months,' and that some of the IPAs had been waiting elsewhere in Ireland beforehand, waiting for accommodation.

When he was asked by Mr Beatty about a comment he made in which he said that he 'wasn't vetted' for his house, Mr Lawless said: "I do know that a lot of people were annoyed at that comment but it is a fact; I don't know my neighbours."

He also commended the views of people who attended the meeting, especially some female participants, whom he said 'expressed very eloquently and passionately' their concerns to him.

Mr Lawless pointed to a Garda Superintendent, who maintained that, in his experience, 'that these types of centres don't attract trouble (referring to centres accommodating IPAs).'

"If there is someone who is causing trouble, they're moved on very quickly. I do know many concerned people point to Citywest, but that had over 3,000 people and it was done very quickly, but lessons have been learned (since then)."

He further said that he is doing his 'very best to ask questions and pass on concerns to the Department.'

When asked by Mr Beatty about the countries the IPAs are coming from, Mr Lawless admitted that this was unknown at present, and added that the International Protection Office 'are firefighting' in this sense.

Mr Beatty also asked Mr Lawless if he was aware of a long-term plan for The Waterways site, to which he replied:  "I've been told that the long-term plan is that it will be compatible with hotel use going forward, and perhaps when tensions ease and certain IPAs can return home (to their native countries).

"But I don't have a crystal ball, I can only convey what information I have received."

He also told Mr Beatty: "I feel like I've been on my own the last two weeks.

"I have been on this programme three times in recent weeks, I've told the local media first (about the plans), I have been on the phone to locals and the Department... Maybe other TDs are doing that but I am unaware of it."

Concluding his points, he once more said that he is doing his best to represent his constituents.