‘Welcome stranger’ but ensure talks over Achill direct provision – prelate

Christians are “morally obliged” to welcome the stranger, the Archbishop of Tuam has said as residents on Achill Island, Co. Mayo, protested a direct provision centre planned for the island.

Archbishop Michael Neary also said that he, nor the local Church, had been advised by any plans by the Department of Justice. Locals said they were not opposed to asylum seekers joining their community, but decried the lack of consultation from the department.

Achill people are “welcoming” and have “accepted people from communities from around the world”, said the archbishop.

However, he said “it is important that effective advance planning be undertaken by the State including a full and transparent consultation with local people”.

“Such preparations should go some way to allay fears and misunderstandings while, at the same time, enabling this important human-centred initiative to work sustainably for the whole community.”

Thirteen female asylum seekers were to be transferred to Achill Head Hotel for a maximum stay of three months, according to the Department of Justice.

In a statement they said: “However, an ongoing protest remains in place outside the hotel, so the department has regrettably decided that, at the moment, to ask the women to move there would not be in their best interests, as they may be vulnerable while awaiting decisions on their protection applications.” They added they have since been in consultation with the community.

Hatred

Dr Neary said it was important that the situation, concerning vulnerable people, not be exploited by “those who trade in hatred and fear”.

“Most Irish families know only too well that feeling of fear and trepidation that accompanies emigration.  Let our faith, and our own lived-experience, be a model of generosity to others,” he said.

“As Christians we are morally obliged to welcome the stranger and, in the context of our improved circumstances, we have a responsibility to share with those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  We should also be particularly alert to those who are experiencing serious upheaval and a crisis of hope in their lives.”

Vigil

Achill residents issued a statement at the end of last week saying there was a lack of consultation from the department and the site was not suitable for the group of asylum seekers to be housed.

They added they would continue the vigil until they received “full and transparent communication” from the Government about their plans to provide proper amenities for the asylum seekers and to ensure their welfare on the island.