Mayo councillor questions use of Crossmolina hotel as homeless centre

A MAYO councillor has expressed concern that more homeless people will be accommodated into a hotel in Crossmolina which he says is worrying the local community.

Up to 26 homeless people are currently residing in the Dolphin Hotel in Crossmolina according to local councillor Michael Loftus who asked officials if the number will be increasing in time. 

Speaking at the monthly meeting of the Ballina Municipal District, Cllr Loftus questioned why homeless people were being accommodated in the hotel if the council were looking to move away from using hotels and B&Bs as emergency accommodation.

“I know we have something like 26 people in Crossmolina in the Dolphin and I am concerned that they are looking to put more people into it. As a community we are worried that it will become a location for the homeless,” he said.

READ: Do you know Mayo’s Greatest Supporter?

The Dolphin Hotel was purchased by a local businessman over five years ago and last November the management of the hotel denied rumours that it was going to be turned into an IPAS centre.

Cllr Loftus added that the loss of the hotel for tourism accommodation was a big blow to the community.

“We were informed the hotels would not be used as accommodation for homeless people and yet we see them in Crossmolina in our only hotel. We have lost that hotel and it is a big loss to the community.

“I know there are children in that hotel and I don't feel it is a suitable location for any children. Something has to be done. Our hearts go out to people who are made homeless but I don't think it is the right location for them,” he said.

The meeting was told that the Ballina council office dealt with nine homeless cases in March which consisted of ten adults with no children involved.

Head of the Municipal District, Mr Declan Turnbull admitted that the biggest issue was trying to find accommodation for people who present as homeless because they don't have a lot of places.

“Obviously where someone has nowhere to go we try to find emergency accommodation for them. We try to keep one or two houses for emergency accommodation but they get filled up very quickly and then there are the likes of the Dolphin in Crossmolina. It is an issue we have to deal with,” he explained.