Community leaders in Co Roscommon have called on the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to set up immediate discussions with medical practitioners and the HSE after plans were put in place for the transfer of 86 Syrian refugees to an old hotel in Ballaghaderreen.
It was confirmed today that The Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) is currently planning the transfer of 86 Syrian refugees to the Ballaghaderreen Emergency Reception and Orientation centre (EROC).
It is likely that the transfers will take place next week.
The IRPP, in consultation with the HSE and the IOM, put in place a travel plan for the transit of the programme refugees.
Michael Frayne, Chairperson of Roscommon Leader Partnership said the community is looking forward to working with the Department of Equality and Children to pursue commitments that were given to ensure the pressure is relieved on the GP and medical care system in Ballaghaderreen, which is already under strain due to the growing population of the town.
Mr Frayne said the community has always worked with the agencies to provide a welcome for refugees and other visitors to the area but the Department needs to engage with doctors and the health centres to ensure that facilities are in place that will allow for proper medical care for everybody.
It is understood the group who are travelling to live in Ballaghaderreen includes 36 men and women and up to 50 children in their families.
The IRPP said during the flight, all passengers adhered to the required safety measures including facemask and social distancing.
A period of quarantine in a designated location for all programme refugee arrivals is now underway with a further Covid-19 test prior to relocation.
