Fifty-five IP residents in Columb Barracks

The presence of the international protection (IP) community at Columb Barracks in Mullingar “does not require any group currently accessing the barracks to have to stop or cease their activities” the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has stated.

There are currently 55 international protection (IP) applicants accommodated in Columb Barracks in Mullingar, and in response to queries submitted by the Westmeath Examiner, a department spokesperson said the agreed area in use for accommodation of IP applicants is a stand-alone area and self-contained with its own perimeter fencing.

It is understood that at least some of the applicants are actually in employment, but the department did not confirm if that was the case, citing the requirement to protect the right to confidentiality of the IP applicants.

The department confirmed, however, that IP applicants are eligible to work after six months, if they have not received a first instance decision on their application.

The department went on to say that over the last year, communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity and welcome for those who come here seeking refuge. “The department strongly condemns any attempt to promote division and hostility,” the statement added.