The Dolphin Hotel in Crossmolina is no longer being considered as an accommodation centre for International Protection Applicants.
This news comes as local councillor Michael Loftus has received a response and clarification from the Department of Justice.
The hotel is currently being used to house homeless individuals and families, and the development has caused great local concern – which has been raised at council meetings by cllr Loftus in recent months.
Midwest News contacted the Department of Justice last week for information on plans at the hotel, and were promised a response. We are yet to receive further correspondence from the Department.
Speaking to Midwest News in April, Cllr Loftus said that council management informed him that it does not have any contract in place “at present” to accommodate homeless people in the facility, however, there are in excess of 20 homeless individuals and families living there.
Cllr Loftus raised the homelessness situation in the Dolphin and across Mayo at yesterday’s council meeting, and suggested that Mayo County Council give these people accommodation in the form of a modular or mobile home on council property as an alternative.
He has been speaking to Midwest Radio’s Rian Bailey:
