The Divine Word Missionaries say they will not sign a new agreement to house more refugees at Donamon Castle in County Roscommon. It comes following a public meeting in response to requests from the Department of Integration to expand their current arrangement around the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees.
There are currently 26 Ukrainians staying at the former Cuisle facilities in Donamon, but locals fear a new agreement would open the door for an IPAS centre at the site. Speaking to Shannonside News, local man Ronan Mahon says the development of such a facility would irreparably damage the relationship between the religious order and the local community:
During the meeting, those in attendance voted unanimously against an extension of the current accommodation agreement. Fr Tim Lehane, Provincial of the Divine Word Missionaries in Ireland and Britain, said the public had delivered a clear message.
Speaking following the meeting, he said the religious order would not be signing a new agreement with the Department:
