What has been described as a “productive” meeting of the Ballaghaderreen Town Team Committee took place on Monday for the purpose of discussing the plans to open an Emergency Orientation and Reception Centre in the Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen for Syrian refugees.
Town Team chairperson Micheal Frain stated that the meeting was “very productive.”
He said there with valuable contributions from committee members and from Martin Lydon, Acting Director of Services, Planning and Enterprise, Roscommon County Council and Martina Earley, CEO of Roscommon LEADER Partnership. These contributions were centred on what needs to be done to prepare for the arrival of the refugees.
Micheal Frain said that “during discussions, committee members were keen to emphasise that the community in Ballaghaderreen will make every effort to ensure these refugees feel welcome.”
He added: “The Ballaghaderreen Town Team will work closely with all organisations and agencies to make sure the proper resources are in place to provide a safe and supportive environment for these people who have been through very difficult experiences.”
Mr. Frain, in a statement issued to the Roscommon People, continued: “A number of representatives from the Ballaghaderreen Town Team are now to meet with officials from the Department of Justice to seek information on the specific plans and additional resources which will be put in place to support these refugees.”
Meanwhile, Ballaghaderreen Chamber of Commerce said it had no comment to make “at this time” when contacted earlier this week by the Roscommon People.
