A

AS 14 ASYLUM SEEKERS move into Linden House in Killarney, two members of Kerry County Council have said they will be joining forces with the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative (KASI) to help ensure the new residents are supported and successfully integrated into the community. But the councillors, Cllrs Niall Kelleher, mayor of Killarney Municipal District, and Cllr John Joe Culloty told Killarney Advertiser this evening they were unhappy with the absence of communication from the Department of Justice with the community.

Cllr Kelleher and Cllr Culloty met with the owner and management of the facility today. “We met with them this afternoon to discuss all concerns which have been expressed to us over the past few days,” they stated.

“We are not happy with the process in which this matter was dealt with by the Department of Justice, especially the absence of any communication. We are addressing this with the Department and it is not a matter for the residents of Linden House. As elected representatives we felt it appropriate to visit the facility to get all the facts which we now have and can relay to the wider community."

They added: “We now have an open line of communication with the management of Linden House and they have committed to work with us and deal with any concerns into the future.”

There are currently two other asylum facilities in Killarney, one female-only residence and another family-only residence. This facility will be male-only, as it was previously, noted the councillors. It will cater for a maximum of 55 residents and will be staffed 24/7. “We queried the engagement with the relevant agencies and we can confirm that the gardaí and the community policing personal have already visited the facility and will liaise with the management, staff and residents on an ongoing bases,” added the councillors’ statement.

“The HSE and community welfare office are scheduled to visit tomorrow and met with all the residents.”

The management of Linden House work closely with the Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative (KASI). “We will also be making contact with KASI to assist in every way possible to ensure the new residents are supported and successfully integrated into the community,” stated Cllrs Culloty and Kelleher.