Why aren’t refugees welcome in Carlow anymore?
I was disappointed to see Carlow Town, the place I’ve made my home twenty years ago, succumb to a protest outside a building which was going to host a number of asylum seekers.
I watched videos of the protesters and listened to the parroted rhetoric about unvetted males, protecting our children, no consultation with the locals, and so on. I also noted the first words out of the main speaker’s mouth is “we are not racist, we are not far-right.”
It would be easy to dismiss her and paint her in the same light as those that spread the rhetoric. I don’t know the woman but I’m inclined to believe her. Something has changed in the last year or two, and regular-thinking people have begun to believe the rabid racist, far-right rhetoric. I don’t think these people are stupid are inhumane; they’ve simply fallen into the trap of the big lie.
Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth. (Big Lie theory)
It is easy to disprove everything that they were saying but I wanted to share two recent memories of when Carlow Town had inward migration from other countries.
I remember fifteen years ago, Carlow Town welcomed Rohingyan refugees from Burma (Myanmar.) Looking back, one can only look with pride with how we came together to help these people settle in the community. The 10 year evaluation of the resettlement is a really interesting read, with some wonderful stories about a cricket team, food sharing days and advocacy. While there is no such thing as a perfect story, overall the report stated: “The bottom line for most Rohingya is that life is better in Carlow and they can see a future for themselves, and more importantly their children.” The people of Carlow, in the main, have shared in their journey and continue to do so. How must they feel when they see people standing on Dublin Street? What message are we giving them?
I remember less than two years ago, Ukrainians began arriving in Carlow Town. Many are housed in very similar accommodation to the Capuchin Friary building. Rather than flying “Carlow Says No” banners, many of these same people were flying yellow and blue flags. Rather than saying “Ireland is full,” many were making sure these people had enough food and money, helped them get into local schools, and tried their best to help them settle into a life they hadn’t chosen. One of the accommodations is three doors down from where the protest took place. How must these people feel as they walk out of their accommodation this morning?
I do have to mention that I was also disappointed by the political response to the events. I don’t usually copy and paste things that people say but if you scroll down to the end of the article, you will see a post written on social media from a standing TD using some of the rhetoric. She used more of it on television that evening. Politicians, in particular, have to be very careful of the language they use. By all means, if they are anti-migrant, let the people decide whether they want to be represented by them, but they can’t try and be all things to all people. Garnering favour with those that are duped by the far-right won’t do them any favours in the long term. The far-right are no friends of centrist politicians, and we have seen the cosying up to them manifest very badly over time.
The Irish are good at finding humour in the darkest of places and I did smile when I saw one response to the hateful messages about refugees. The building in question was the Capuchin Friary, which the person cleverly noted last housed members of the clergy — all men, many unvetted.
The people that will be moving here will be no different to any other migrant that enrich our wonderful town. Perhaps we need to remind ourselves of how we were when our Rohingyan neighbours first came to Carlow, or how we reacted when we welcomed hundreds of Ukrainians to our town. Ireland is a country that has experienced war and economic turmoil and many of us fled for safety and for better opportunities. We have seen in recent times that war and economic turmoil can happen anywhere in the world, sometimes very close to home. There is no reason it couldn’t happen to Ireland again, and if it does, will you be able to ask another country to welcome you, if you didn’t welcome them in the past.
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Pasted post from Carlow TD without comment.
Despite suggestions on social media that I and other elected representatives are avoiding responding to people’s concerns regarding the accommodation of refugees locally, I have had a very long and busy day trying to obtain information and factual responses to address the concerns of many people including my own!
I have been communicating with various departments and elected officials both locally and nationally to ascertain the accuracy of information circulating on social media regarding the accommodation of refugees in Carlow and other counties.
I, like other elected representatives, only received information today regarding the use of properties in Carlow to accommodate refugees via e-mail that could justifiably be considered mail@lastminute.com!
I can therefore confirm that with, other elected representatives I received a ‘Briefing Note’ TODAY — stating that — ‘from the 12th of January onwards, 50 beds will be provided for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are International Protection Applications’. This accommodation will be provided at what is known locally in Carlow as The Capuchin Friary.
Like many others, I am extremely disappointed that, once again, department officials have failed to engage with and consult with local authorities and local communities before making these decisions!
As an elected representative, I appreciate and constantly raise the difficulties regarding the availability and provision of accommodation for all members of our local communities in an ever-challenging environment and will continue to do so.
Whilst continuing working for local people, I am also understanding of, and aware of our obligations to support and accommodate refugees seeking international protection and safety, but the news received in Carlow today has disappointed and concerned me and no doubt others, for the following reasons:
• The consistent lack of consultation and communication with local authorities and local communities prior to decision making!
• This repeated failure by department officials to be open and transparent with local communities is generating ill feeling in many towns and communities which could be avoided by more transparency.
Given our already stretched local health, educational, and other services, including services for children in Carlow which needs to be drastically improved, I am, as are many others, concerned that the support mechanisms required for a large number of refugees has not been adequately addressed with local service providers or communities.
We already have many people waiting for basic GP appointments and other Health and educational services, and this, combined with the ability to locally support these large numbers of refugees is a major concern for local people as has been evident in social media comments and by the many telephone calls and messages I have received throughout the day.
These are concerns that I personally share, and I will continue to address them at local and national level as will, I’m sure other local representatives.
Transparent consultation and communication are the key to everyone working effectively together and really isn’t too much to ask for!
