Roscommon TD objecting to proposed expansion of EROC in Ballaghaderreen

The proposed expansion of the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) in Ballaghaderreen is causing huge concern in the town. Local TD Claire Kerrane who is objecting to the proposals is urging the public to do likewise.

Next Week & Co Ltd is seeking planning permission for the construction of a two-storey extension to the Abbeyfeld Hotel/ EROC to provide additional accommodation, with a single storey corridor link to the existing EROC. The application is also seeking an astro turf pitch and a play area at the site. A planning application was received by the council on December 23rd and a decision is due by February 25th. The EROC has been in operation since 2017.

“I will be making a submission,” said Deputy Kerrane. “The bottom line is we must stop it. The EROC already accommodates and can accommodate over 200 people. I think that is enough and I think Ballaghaderreen has more than played its fair share. I am disappointed how this has come about. There hasn’t been any engagement, and I will now be working with Cllr Micheál Frain on this.” They are putting together a submission, which can be made available to the public.

“This is similar to our opposition to the modular development proposal, we went door-to-door with letters, we provided submissions to people who might not be able to make one themselves,” Deputy Kerrane said.

She said that the current EROC system was not working, and she called for the provision of state-run accommodation centres.

“The current model is failing both people seeking international protection and communities,” she said.

Deputy Kerrane argued that nothing had been provided to the town “after the people of Ballaghaderreen welcomed the refugees in 2017”.

Separately the TD said her party was looking forward to leading the opposition to this incoming government.

“I think a lot of people who went out and voted independent didn’t vote for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, but they are all in together,” she said. “For us it is our job to hold government to account. As a TD for Roscommon Galway, it is my job to deliver for my constituents and I believe you can do that from opposition as well as in government. That is the challenge that lies ahead.”