A proposal to turn a former nursing home in Athenry into a centre for asylum seekers has revived complaints about the lack of community consultation before a decision on a contract is taken.

The Department of Integration has confirmed that White Sands has made an offer to turn the former Castleturvin Nursing Home into an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre.

In September 2022, the Killeen family closed the purpose-built nursing home 4km outside the town after two decades in business due to costs and staffing shortages. There were 22 single and ten double ensuite rooms in the facility.

Sinn Féin TD Louis O’Hara said the community learned about the move to reopen as an IPAS facility in December but have not been able to get answers from the Department on issues of concern.

“This is a very rural location. The community wants to know what kind of transport will be in place for residents. They have questions over the impact on healthcare services, school places – so far there hasn’t been any engagement and I feel it’s really important that these things need to be identified and addressed in advance of any decision to open this up,” he told the Connacht Tribune.

“I’m not saying anything about whether it’s suitable or not, but it does need to be fully assessed. We need engagement with the Department. These are all valid questions and very reasonable requests. People need to know if the impact has been looked at – it’s really irresponsible not to do that before any decision on the application is taken.”

By Tuesday, Deputy O’Hara said the officials in the Department of Integration had bowed to pressure to hold a meeting with residents.

“This is positive but there must be real engagement and action taken on the issues and concerns that are being raised by the local community. This meeting must take place as soon as possible and in advance of an application being accepted,” he said.

CAPTION: Deputy Louis O’Hara.

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