Irish police clashed with protesters outside of the Racket Hall hotel in Roscrea Monday where 160 illegal immigrants are to be housed. The Irish Times reports that around 200 Garda officers were deployed to the scene and one man was arrested following an altercation.
The government has said that the immigrants need to be moved to prevent them from being homeless as the country faces an "urgent situation" to try and accommodate a record number of people coming across the Irish border.
According to Sky News, Ireland saw over 140,000 immigrants last year, a 16-year high for the country of 5.1 million.
"There have been over 190 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 26 counties," a statement from officials read.
Anti-immigration activists called for a peaceful protest at the hotel Monday evening on social media. But video footage showed the situation escalating when officers became aggressive with members of the crowd.
The immigrants were due to move in last Friday, but the transfer was delayed because of opposition. Officials have said that 17 have been moved in thus far.
The hotel reportedly consists of a "large refurbished four-star hotel accommodation” with amenities, high-speed wifi, and “ample community recreational space on site."
The owners of Racket Hall struck a deal with the government to allow the immigrants to stay there for a year. It closed down to the public on Thursday.
The Garda said in a statement that they are delegating officers to surround the hotel and aid in the remaining immigrants' arrival: "Shortly before midday, Uniform Members of An Garda Síochána supported by ‘soft cap’ Public Order Personnel provided a cordon at the entrance to the IPAS Centre to facilitate access for transport carrying International Protection Applicants."
The government has said that the immigrants need to be moved to prevent them from being homeless as the country faces an "urgent situation" to try and accommodate a record number of people coming across the Irish border.
According to Sky News, Ireland saw over 140,000 immigrants last year, a 16-year high for the country of 5.1 million.
"There have been over 190 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 26 counties," a statement from officials read.
Anti-immigration activists called for a peaceful protest at the hotel Monday evening on social media. But video footage showed the situation escalating when officers became aggressive with members of the crowd.
The immigrants were due to move in last Friday, but the transfer was delayed because of opposition. Officials have said that 17 have been moved in thus far.
The hotel reportedly consists of a "large refurbished four-star hotel accommodation” with amenities, high-speed wifi, and “ample community recreational space on site."
The owners of Racket Hall struck a deal with the government to allow the immigrants to stay there for a year. It closed down to the public on Thursday.
The Garda said in a statement that they are delegating officers to surround the hotel and aid in the remaining immigrants' arrival: "Shortly before midday, Uniform Members of An Garda Síochána supported by ‘soft cap’ Public Order Personnel provided a cordon at the entrance to the IPAS Centre to facilitate access for transport carrying International Protection Applicants."
