Fianna Fail yesterday claimed the decision to axe an asylum-seeker centre sends a message to arsonists “they have won”.
The Department of Justice cited difficulties with the lease agreement as the reason for ditching the proposed accommodation in Rooskey, along the Leitrim-Roscommon border.
The disused Shannon Key West Hotel had been earmarked as a location for a Direct Provision centre.
However, it was damaged in two arson attacks in recent months.
Now local representatives believe the U-turn sends out the wrong message.
Plans for asylum centre at former hotel in Rooskey, Co Leitrim will not go ahead
Fianna Fail equality spokeswoman Fiona O’Loughlin said: “I am disappointed the Department have abandoned their plans and I fear it sends a message to the perpetrators of the arson attacks that they have won.
“There can be no complacency on this matter. People who commit such crimes should feel the full force of our justice system.
“While I acknowledge the Department saying their decision comes as a result of an issue with the lease, I believe that should have been sorted out long before now.
“It also contradicts their own statement on February 20 which confirmed the centre would be going ahead.”
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The Department of Justice and Equality said yesterday it “regrets” not being able to proceed.
It added: “The decision was taken following legal advice sought from the Chief State Solicitor’s Office which found difficulties with the lease agreement between the owners of the hotel and the operator renting it, which made proceeding with the proposed centre unviable.
“The Department is not party to these lease arrangements and these matters are outside our control.
“We remain committed to sourcing suitable premises to meet the accommodation needs of people in the international protection process.”
In February, about 40 activists took part in an anti-racist rally in Rooskey following the attacks.
