Government’s choice of locations for asylum accommodation centres ‘arbitrary’, says McDonald

The Government’s approach in choosing locations to accommodate international protection applicants has been “arbitrary” and “driven by private provision”, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Ms McDonald criticised the Coalition’s handling of the issue as her party unveiled its own plan, laying out how a Sinn Féin government would accommodate those seeking asylum in the State.

Publishing the plan on Tuesday, the Sinn Féin leader said accommodation centres for international protection applicants should be located in “better off” areas.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland on Wednesday, she reiterated the point, stressing such centres should not be established in communities “that are literally cut to the bone”.

Her comments follow violent scenes in Coolock where gardaí have repeatedly clashed with demonstrators opposed to the proposed use of the former Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road as an accommodation centre for international protection…