John Lannon made the comments following the violence that broke out in Dublin yesterday evening.

It follows tensions in some communities in Dublin and Clare in recent days over asylum seeker accommodation.

The issue of finding accommodation for refugees in the midst of a housing crisis has already led to serious problems

Chief executive of Doras, John Lannon fears the situation in Clare and Kerry might be replicated in Athlone.

The current emergency is a result of a lack of planning over the last 6 months according to Doras.

A total of 40,000 people have arrived from Ukraine seeking refuge in Ireland so far but the government says there is no accomodation for any more who might arrive

John Lannon says the government needs to take more leadership on the Ukrainian refugee issue and not leave it to voluntary groups or individuals

The Rooskey native believes more long term plans need to be put in place.