Over 300 people attended a meeting last night to voice their opposition to the former Oughterard Manor Nursing Home being used as an IPAS centre.
It's understood that an application to use the site - which has been used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees - is under consideration by the Department of Integration.
A number of speakers challenged and defended the political representatives in attendance from the floor.
John Morley from Galway Talks was there last night and brings us this report:
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Transcript:
Five councillors were among those in attendance at the meeting - Independent Ireland Councillors Seamus Walsh & Noel Thomas, Independent Thomas Welby, Gerry King of Fianna Fail and Eileen Mannion of Fine Gael.
Proceedings got underway with a brief introduction by Cllr Walsh and two local organisers, before opening to the floor.
Some of the speakers highlighted the need for a nursing home in the area, with both Moycullen and Clifden full.
Others argued that turning the former home into IPAS accommodation could damage tourism in the area.
There was also concern that the Ukrainian people currently residing there could be moved to Lanesboro.
Despite the unanimous vote of opposition to the former nursing home being used to accommodate IPAs, it wasn’t all harmonious throughout the meeting.
One speaker from the floor took aim at Independent Ireland Councillors Seamus Walsh and Noel Thomas.
They said that politicians have failed locals and not migrants, both were defended quickly by subsequent speakers.
There was also an exchange between Fine Gael Councillor Eileen Mannion and one speaker, who told her to shut up following her input.
A committee is to be formed and a silent protest could be in place as early as today at the Oughterard Manor Nursing Home.
