Mount Trenchard Direct Provision Centre
Photo:broadsheet,ie Mount Trenchard Direct Provision Centre in Co. Limerick will close at the end of February. It was previously highlighted by Doras Director John Lannon that people in the centre had little access to faith and were living in unsuitable living conditions.
On Friday, January 10, 14 residents were transferred to Ennis, Co. Clare with the remainder expected to follow. They will have more access to local facilities there.
The human rights advocacy group Doras welcomed the move after six years of calling for its closure and highlighting the inhumane conditions.
“It is regrettable that it has taken so long for this to happen. So many people have suffered in Mount Trenchard, both mentally and psychologically, while the Department of Justice did nothing,” said Mr Lannon.
Mount Trenchard is seen as an example of the worst of direct provision conditions in Ireland, there are many other centres across the country which in varying degrees have safety issues, sub-standard living conditions, inadequate staffing and are in isolated areas.
Doras is continuing to call for minimum standards to be met in all forms of accommodation.
“We reiterate calls on the Department of Justice to ensure standards are immediately met in all accommodation centres,” said Mr Lannon.
“At the same time, it is essential that the Department works to implement an alternative to the inhumane system of direct provision.
“Every person seeking international protection in Ireland should be treated with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves.”