March on Rathcabbin home
Department says it will engage with community if IPAS contract signed
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LEFT: Rathcabbin people concerned about the future of St Kieran’s Nursing Home at The Pike gathered for a protest walk from the hall in the village to the nursing home. From left: Willie Rigney (Chairman, Rathcabbin Concerned Residents), Pat Deane, Needy Spain, Michael Spain, Michael Sullivan, Pat Smyth, Orla Kennedy (Secretary). Photos: Rose MannionImage 2 of 2
Over 200 people took part in the peaceful protest at Rathcabbin last Sunday.More than 200 people attended a peaceful protest in Rathcabbin last Sunday over the future of St Kieran's Nursing Home.
There are unconfirmed reports that an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre is to be opened at the former nursing home.
Locals believe that this would be an unsuitable imposition on the rural area, which is lacking services for the existing community. They are concerned that more than 50 international protection applicants could potentially be accommodated at St Kieran's, but say they have found it difficult to get any information from the Government about the situation.
A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said they could not comment on the use of a premises where a contract for accommodating IPAs has not been signed.
“Please note that the department is responding to a large number of queries at present,” the spokesperson said in a statement last week. “The department can only confirm use of a premises once a contract has been signed, and will, in the first instance, inform local public representatives and statutory agencies.
“A Community Engagement Team (CET) has been established to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant local authorities, local development companies, and other entities and individuals.
“The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.”
Organised by the Rathcabbin Concerned Residents committee, last week's protest saw locals gathering at the village hall and walking out to the former nursing home at The Pike. They say they have learned of intentions to accommodate refugees of “unknown origin or background” at St Kieran's.
The community group is calling for dialogue and for St Kieran's, which closed in 2022, to be returned to use as a nursing home. Its members say it would be unfair on both the local community and the potential residents to use such a location as an IPAS centre.