First International Protection guests arrive at Moynalvey accommodation centre

A couple from Mauritius were the first residents to move into the former Dorey's Forge premises in Moynalvey which has been approved by the Department of Integration as an accommodation centre for international protection applicants.

The young couple arrived at the property on Friday afternoon. It's believed another couple has since moved in to the apartment accommodation.

While the contract between the Department of Integration and the Collegelands Forge Limited, came into effect from 12th February, at time of writing, just the one couple has so far moved in, though property owner, Michael Corcoran said this could change at short notice.

The accommodation at Collegelands Forge consists of five apartments and has been approved to accommodate up to 24 residents.

When asked about the process when residents arrive, Mr Corcoran it is the same for all IPAS Centres and begins with bringing them in, confirming their names and who they are as per the information received from the Department of Integration and asking if they need or want anything. The council's integration team is also notified.

Once they have a chance to settle in, Mr Corcoran said they go through the house rules and tell them about the shuttle bus service and how they can get in touch with him and that if they have any hospital appointments for example, explains they can facilitate that.

"From speaking to people in centres in other areas, they say they arrive, they just want to get their heads down for some rest and a bit of peace. They are generally exhausted."

In terms of local reaction, Mr Corcoran said that over the past week, the change from when the news first broke two to three weeks ago, was unreal and that he had people coming up to his gate offering their services and saying they are there to help.

Meanwhile a meeting was held online of the Collegelands neighbours last night, (Monday), following on from the meeting at Moynalvey GFCa week ago that first discussed the use of Dorey’s Forge as an IPAS facility.

This meeting centred around what further action the Collegelands Liaison Committee could take to deal with the situation created for old and new residents alike.

A number of local people expressed their concern over the lack of transport and supplies at the facility over the weekend for the guests that arrived on Friday.

The Committee agreed to make representations on behalf of the community to Meath County Council.