MINISTER SHATTER REFUSES TO ROW BACK ON CLOSURE OF LISBROOK HOUSE

Date Published: 24-Oct-2012

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has refused to row back on his decision to close city asylum centre Lisbrook House.

It follows a meeting with Galway Oirechtas members at government buildings last evening [Oct 23] to discuss the closure.

The meeting was attended by Galway TDs Eamon O’Cuiv, Michael Kitt, Derek Nolan, Brian Walsh who co-ordinated the gathering following representations from local campaigners, and Galway Senator Fidelma Healy Eames.

The Minister once again cited cost reasons and the expiry of a lease on the Galway Lisbrook house building which is located at the former Ibis Hotel, off the Headford Road.

120 of the residents, mainly single males have already moved to alternative accommodation at the Great Western hostel in the city while others have moved to similar centres in Limerick and Drogheda.

The remaining 120 will have vacated the premises by mid November with some moving to the Eglington this Friday.

Deputy Brian Walsh who convened the meeting with the Minister told Galway Bay fm news that although the Minister will not be reversing his decision, he has vowed to introduce legislation next year which will bring in significant reforms for our asylum seeker community.