Protest stood down as Ballinrobe hotel to house families

A protest outside a Ballinrobe hotel has been stood down.

This afternoon (Monday), it has been confirmed that the JJ Gannon’s Hotel will accommodate families seeking international protection instead of 50 males.

Michelle Smith, a local businesswoman who organised protests against the original proposal on Friday evening, announced outside the hotel that families would be accommodated at the property.

Ms Smith, who is originally from Armagh but who has lived in Mayo for many years, told protesters that ‘Ballinrobe welcomes families with open arms’ and told those gathered to go home.

“It’s been a successful protest. I can safely say that everybody here can go home because Ballinrobe welcomes that families that need help. I can safely say that the families that are here, they wont’ be sleeping in tents. They will be here and they will be welcome with open arms.”

Frank Keane, the chairman of Ballinrobe Community Development Council, confirmed to The Mayo News that the council had been informed that families would now be accommodated.

The Department of Children, Disabilities, Equality, Integration and Youth have issued a statement on the matter. 

“While initially ear-marked for adult males, there is now an acute shortage of accommodation for families and children and it is now intended to place families into this property over the coming days,” it said in a statement to RTÉ.

Mr Keane criticised the timing of the original announcement said that there had been ‘lack of transparency’ regarding the original proposal.

Local people maintained a constant presence since Friday evening at the front of the hotel, which closed in 2012 and underwent renovations in the summer of 2023.

Formerly owned by the Gannon family and now owned by Kilkenny-based Ballinrobe native Tom O’Connor, local representatives learned on Thursday that the building as due to accommodate 50 male international protection applicants.

A gathering took place on Friday evening after local councillor Michael Burke announced the news on his social media.

Cllr Burke subsequently announced on Saturday that the lease between Mr O’Connor and the department had been withdrawn.

Protesters were supplied with food, fuel and other goods as a constant presence was maintained outside the building.

Several people who spoke to The Mayo News outlined various concerns regarding safety of women and children and the extra demand on local facilities. The hotel is situated two doors away from a local playschool, Nead na nÓg.

When asked about the matter by RTÉ, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that no community had a veto over who can live in their area. 

Mayo TDs Alan Dillon, Michael Ring, and Dara Calleary all issued statements on the matter this afternoon when it was thought that the arrangement to house male refugees was going ahead.