People living in the area say they were told the contract was due to end, but learnt a new one is being negotiated
The Department of Justice is negotiating a new contract with a migrant housing provider in Co Meath, despite previously telling locals the contract had ended and no new offer was made to house international protection applicants.
Some residents living near Collegelands Forge, where a former pub is now housing migrants, claim the rural area is unsuitable because of poor connectivity to public transport, and its location some 4km away from the village of Summerhill.
They appealed to local authorities and government officials about their concerns, but feel they have not been listened to.
Meath County Council previously questioned the centre’s suitability, pointing to the wastewater treatment infrastructure being suitable for a maximum occupancy of 20 people. About 20 migrants moved there in February of last year.
This debacle goes to show the lack of respect the state integration machine shows towards local communities
On June 30, an official in Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan’s office wrote to locals living near the accommodation centre, saying a contract to house migrants there “was not renewed and no new offer was received by the International Protection Procurement Service” from the owner of the site.
However, just days later, on July 4, the Department of Justice told the Sunday Independent negotiations about the continued use of the facility are ongoing. The department has since said both responses were accurate at the time of issue, but it has led to confusion among locals.
“The provision of accommodation for international protection is demand-led, and each premises is considered on a case-by-case basis to decide if the contract will be renewed as it approaches its end date,” a department spokesman said.
“At renewal stage, consideration will be given to the current and projected demand for accommodation, the provider’s performance under contract, and compliance with standards and legal obligations.”
The Collegelands Locality Residents Association, which is made up of about 150 households, criticised the Government’s treatment of the community, saying it was initially told a contract at the centre was due to end in February.
“As local residents and neighbours of Collegelands Forge, we feel this debacle just goes to show the total lack of respect the state integration machine shows towards local communities, and the absence of transparency in how public funds are spent on private IPAS [International Protection Accommodation Service] accommodation and how contracts are managed,” a spokesman for the residents association said.
Responses from Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan’s department have led to confusion among local residents. Photo: Getty
“The location is unsuitable, being in a remote rural area with no transport to the local shops or other facilities.”
Spending records from the department show the business, Collegelands Forge Ltd, was paid €894,953 between February 2024 and the end of March this year to provide IPAS accommodation.
Collegelands Forge owner Michael Corcoran told the Sunday Independent he cannot comment on contracts with the Department of Justice, but said the centre was very proud of the support that it has provided to the five families who have stayed there.
“They are now integrated into the broader community, such as the success of securing places in the local schools, sport clubs, voluntary work across the local community,” Mr Corcoran added.
“We have been deeply touched by the unwavering support from our neighbours, which has been both humbling and inspiring.
“We are truly grateful to those kind individuals who have extended their kindness in numerous ways.”
Complaints were made to gardaí about an alleged violent incident and alleged drug-dealing at the centre
The accommodation centre was the subject of concerns last year after complaints were made to gardaí about an alleged violent incident and alleged drug-dealing at the centre.
This led to a complaint being made to garda ombudsman Fiosrú over garda handling of the complaint.
Fiosrú has since ended its investigation into the matter and found gardaí made appropriate inquiries and a threshold for a breach of discipline had not been met.
A spokeswoman said the ombudsman could not comment on the case.
“Fiosrú does not confirm or deny the existence of complaints made by or against individuals. This is to protect the investigative process, and the rights, both of complainants, and those complained against. Fiosrú is not in a position to comment further,” she added.