A 24/7 protest is ongoing at a site in Athlone due to accommodate up to 1,000 international protection applicants. The Department of Integration wants to accommodate the refugees in Lissywollen - initially in tents and later in modular units. Last week, some local councillors confirmed they have engaged independent legal advice with a view to stopping the works at the site.
In a statement issued to Shannonside FM, Gardaí have confirmed they are currently policing a public gathering which is ongoing at Lissywollen in Athlone this morning. They also said that An Garda Síochána respects the right of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and to carry out peaceful protest. Local woman Eileen Moran who has been involved in the protests, has described the atmosphere at the site:
Local Councillor and Independent Ireland Candidate in the General Election in Longford/Westmeath, Paul Hogan, has criticised the Department of Integration for not engaging with locals:
