On Thursday evening, over 70 people gathered in Tuam to voice their opposition to the Direct Provision centre planned to open on the grounds of the Mercy Secondary School, situated just outside the town centre.

Locals of all ages attended to find out more information and discuss issues around the opening of the centre. Reporters from the Tuam Herald were in attendance. Independent candidate for East Galway, David O’Reilly, addressed the crowd.

Points made by speakers included the unsuitability of the proposed site as well as opposition to broader government policy on migration and the forecast by senior civil servants that Ireland is set to be accommodating 180,000 people seeking refuge by the end of the year.

A decision was made to form a committee with an aim to liaise with TDs, Councillors and other relevant groups on behalf of the local community, organise future protests and meetings, and distribute information on further developments in Tuam.

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