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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Ballinrobe emergency accommodation

Summary

A Deputy says emergency accommodation at the Railway Inn in Ballinrobe is causing disorder, crime concerns and pressure on Gardaí. The Taoiseach notes the issue was raised before and says he will alert the responsible Minister again.

Ballinrobe has paid a very high price for poor Government policy in recent weeks and months. The practice of placing very vulnerable and high-risk individuals in emergency accommodation has been a recipe for disaster. What is happening at the Railway Inn in Ballinrobe has caused major difficulties for the town. Crime is rising in the area. Garda numbers in Mayo are falling. Gardaí are really struggling to deal with the issues that exist. There has been a huge lack of rehabilitation support and a lack of Garda services in the area. The gardaí there are doing a tremendous job in very difficult circumstances. There are major questions regarding the operator of the Railway Inn. In recent days, Mayo County Council has agreed to cease using the Railway Inn as a halfway house or for emergency accommodation. However, Roscommon County Council is still using the facility. I am asking the Taoiseach to intervene in light of the difficulties-----

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Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Thank you, Deputy.

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----- in the town to cease and end the practice of emergency accommodation in Ballinrobe-----

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Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Deputy, you are way over your time.

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----- particularly at the Railway Inn.

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The Deputy has raised this issue previously. Again, I do not intervene in every single case. The Minister with responsibility obviously assesses the situation in different locations. I will certainly alert the Minister that Deputy Lawless has raised the matter.

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