Oughterard protest deeper and different to previous campaigns

World of Politics with Harry McGee – harrymcgee@gmail.com

It was a weekend back home and a tale of a rescue mission after the in-laws suffered two punctures that saw us end up last weekend on the N59 coming back into Galway. And so we passed through Oughterard, which has never looked anything other than pretty, even when it got a big frayed during the recession. It was after 9pm and the village was almost deserted.

“It’s all died down,” I said in reference to the furore over the proposed direct provision centre; how wrong I was.

As we approached the graveyard, it looked like there was a late, late funeral. Cars were parked on either side of the road. And as we turned the corner, we were greeted by what looked like a lit-up stadium.

There were flaming braziers, security tape and about 40 to 50 people in hi-viz vests pacing up and down outside the hotel.

I was astounded. This was after 9pm on a Sunday night, a full week and a half after the whole controversy had exploded. It was less a protest, more a vigil.

And the bottom line is that these protests in Oughterard are of a different order to those in Ballaghaderreen or in Ennistymon, where centres eventually went ahead.

The intensity of opposition in Oughterard, plus the obvious commitment, means that it’s going to be problematic.

There are rights on both sides – and wrongs on both sides too.

For example, I think the placards being carried by the protesters are hypocritical, with their opposition to ‘inhumane’ deportation centres.

That would suggest their primary concerns lie with the people who will be placed in the centre, when it is really about the impact the centre will have on Oughterard and their lives.

There is validity to that concern. But they need to be honest about it.

The Department of Justice hasn’t exactly covered itself in glory on the communications front. Its manner of engagement just defies logic.

It tenders for centres and then a shroud of secrecy descends. The first anybody learns of it is when it’s a done deal.

Only then, the Department begins its communications campaign with the local community – too late in the day.

Looking at the big picture, there are over 6.082 people living in 39 direct provision centres scattered across the State. This is different to other countries where they tend to be housed in giant national centres – which is far more unsuitable.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.