Concerns over Plans to House 1,000 Asylum-Seekers at Thornton Hall Site
Local councillors in north Co Dublin have raised concerns over plans to house up to 1,000 male asylum-seekers at the Thornton Hall site, previously earmarked for a “super prison.” The Department of Integration aims to accommodate the first 40 asylum-seekers in tents, with an additional 400 individuals expected to move in during October and November. Despite plans to build modular units on the site in the future, the department currently plans to erect up to 12 tents to house migrants.
Facilities and Services at Thornton Hall
According to a briefing from the department, residents at Thornton Hall will receive three meals a day, with snacks and tea stations available 24 hours a day. The site will also have eco-toilets, shower blocks, and scheduled waste water and sewage removal. However, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of bus services in the area, with local politicians advocating for increased bus routes to accommodate the influx of residents.
Sinn Féin councillor Helen Meyer called for a halt to the plans until they are fully fleshed out by the Department of Integration. She emphasized the importance of thorough planning to ensure the success of the project, expressing concerns over the current approach. Meyer highlighted the need for proactive measures to address potential challenges and ensure the well-being of asylum-seekers at Thornton Hall.
Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement
Community engagement meetings have been held to address concerns raised by local representatives and stakeholders. Officials from the department have assured politicians that they will work with the National Transport Authority to enhance bus services in the area. Fine Gael councillor Alan Tobin criticized the department for imposing decisions without proper consultation, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue with local residents.
Tobin highlighted the potential impact of overhead passing planes from Dublin Airport on the residents at Thornton Hall, expressing concerns over the noise and stress it may cause. He also questioned whether the proposed number of 1,000 migrants housed on the site would be exceeded, raising uncertainties about the capacity and resources available to support the asylum-seekers.
Former minister and Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea emphasized the importance of enforcing deportation orders to uphold the credibility of the asylum application process. O’Dea called on Justice Minister Helen McEntee to implement enhanced checks to ensure compliance with deportation orders, emphasizing the need for a speedy and robust system to address immigration challenges effectively.
The concerns raised by local councillors and stakeholders highlight the complexities and challenges associated with accommodating asylum-seekers at the Thornton Hall site. While efforts are being made to provide essential services and facilities, there are lingering uncertainties about the capacity, logistics, and long-term implications of housing a large number of migrants in the area. Collaborative engagement with the community and proactive planning will be essential to address these concerns and ensure the well-being of asylum-seekers at Thornton Hall.