Sinn Féin, Government and rest of the opposition ignored concerned residents of Citywest area

Independent Ireland councillor Linda de Courcy has said that both the Government and Sinn Féin “turned their backs on the legitimate concerns” of communities of Saggart and surrounding areas of Citywest, warning that “their silence and inaction have had devastating consequences.”

Cllr de Courcy said that residents repeatedly raised fears about overcrowding, lack of supervision and inadequate safety arrangements at the State-run accommodation centre in Citywest – only to be “dismissed and patronised by political parties more interested in optics than in outcomes.”

“For months, local people asked to be heard. They asked for proper consultation and for measures to keep everyone safe,” she said. “Those warnings were ignored by both the Government and the main Opposition. Now we are facing the human cost of that failure.”

Cllr de Courcy said Independent Ireland were “the only ones standing with local residents” on the issue, consistently calling for improved oversight, transparency and accountability in the international protection system.

"No other councillor or TD has fully supported the residents of Saggart and the surrounding area in opposing the sale of Citywest to the State. Instead of dismissing concerns about safety or going so far as to call people racist I listened to what the hard working people of the area had to say. They wanted their hotel back, they didn't want Citywest Hotel to become Citywest IPA Centre. Now, the worst nightmare of this child and her family has come true." 

"This man shouldn't have been in the country, he shouldn't have been allowed to freely roam around the city and country. As soon as his deportation order was issued he should have been deported"

“Independent Ireland raised these issues early and clearly. We warned that unmanaged systems and ignored communities would lead to tragedy,” she said. “It is not good enough for others to now claim shock when they refused to act at the time.”

 “When communities raise concerns, listen to them. When safety is at stake, act. Accountability must start here – and it must start now. A child's life has been destroyed a community stands in shock but without immediate and urgent change in the system and the way illegal immigration is discussed in this country we are destined to face more stories of devastation ”