Call for greater community engagement on International Protection Accommodation
Meath County Council is set to write to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to ensure local communities are “properly informed in a timely and transparent manner” regarding contracts for International Protection Accommodation.
The move follows a motion brought forward by Aontú councillor Emer Tóibín at the September full council meeting. The motion called for Meath County Council to request that the Department’s Community Engagement Team engage with local communities in advance of any contracts being signed.
Speaking in support, Cllr Tóibín said there have been repeated instances across Ireland where communities were only informed after contracts had been finalised.
“Time and again we have seen the same problem repeated across the country — decisions being made in communities without any advance notice, information, or dialogue,” Cllr Tóibín said.
“Where International Protection accommodation is being contracted, local people often only hear about it when the deal is already signed, leaving no room for meaningful engagement. That lack of communication creates frustration, fuels misinformation, and undermines trust both in government and in the communities themselves.
“What I am asking for is simple and reasonable – that the Department’s Community Engagement Team engage with local communities before contracts are signed.”
“This means providing clear and timely information, addressing concerns openly, and ensuring people feel they are part of the process rather than left in the dark.”
“We all know that change can be managed far better when people are respected and informed. Communities are not opposed to doing their fair share, but they rightly expect transparency, honesty, and consultation.”
The Navan councillor added: “This motion is about restoring that trust. It is about ensuring fairness — to those seeking protection and to the communities that will host them. With proper engagement, we can avoid unnecessary tension and build stronger, more cohesive communities.”
The motion was, however, amended to emphasise ensuring communities are “properly informed in a timely and transparent manner” instead of “in advance” and was passed with the amendment carried.
Meanwhile the Council also noted that the Community Engagement Team already welcomes queries related to any existing or proposed centre of accommodation, from elected representatives, community stakeholders or the media
“The Community Engagement Team endeavour to respond as appropriate to communications or queries they receive,” the local authority said.