Syrian refugees due to arrive in Ballaghaderreen on Tuesday are not expected to arrive for another few days at least.
Last night (Wednesday) there appeared to be no sign of activity at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre at the Abbeyfield Hotel. EROC manager, Jacqueline Mullen, told the Roscommon People that the refugees were due to arrive “in the next few days” and added that they would spend St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin.
Meanwhile, sources in Ballaghaderreen have also intimated that the refugees will be arriving towards the end of this week. It is thought that Department of Justice officials are keen to avoid an arrival in the full glare of a media spotlight.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice confirmed earlier this week that asylum seekers arriving in Ballaghaderreen will receive a personal allowance of less than €20 per week with adults receiving €19.10 and children getting €15.60. Those arriving at the EROC will, however, receive full board, including bed, three meals a day and snacks.
