By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has raised concerns about the number of people from different ethnic backgrounds living together in temporary accommodation.

The Chamber issued a statement following Sunday’s mass brawl at Hotel Killarney where up to 400 International Protection applicants are now living.

The Chamber has welcomed assurances from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, that steps are being taken to safeguard against such incidents happening again.

Minister O’Gorman has confirmed to the Chamber that he is liaising closely with An Garda Síochána on the matter and that measures will be taken, in the immediate term, to deal with the issues.

Attempts by the Killarney Advertiser to contact Minister O’Gorman's office this week were not successful.

“We look forward to a positive and effective outcome from those talks,” the Chamber said.

“The Chamber fully concurs with local sentiment that having 400 people, of several nationalities, in one temporary international asylum seeker centre is far from ideal and a proper, safer and more sensible government policy is required going forward.

“The Chamber is of the view, and has expressed it in the past, that there has been a serious and unacceptable lack of communication between the State agencies involved in sourcing accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees and local authorities, community organisations and services providers at a local level.”

The Chamber also called for a measured approach to the incident and expressed confidence in An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service's efforts to bring the case to a successful conclusion.

“Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce was very concerned and disappointed to learn of the events that happened. While acknowledging that the reported violence that broke out was an isolated incident and must be looked at in context, such behaviour can never be tolerated and is not welcome in Killarney.

“Obviously, this negative publicity is most unwelcome and must be condemned and we understand the genuine concerns expressed by local organisations and individuals.

“We have every confidence in An Garda Síochána’s ability to bring those responsible to justice and it is understood that efforts are being made to prevent potential future flashpoints from occurring.”