Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Drivetime

Samantha Mumba

Baby Come On Over

Work On Major Westmeath Accommodation Centre To Commence "Soon"

Wednesday, 9 October 2024 06:40

The new centre will have the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 International Protection Applicants.

Work on a new major accommodation centre in Westmeath is expected to start "soon."

The Department of Integration has revealed new details on the planned 'Midland Accommodation Centre' at Lissywollen, Athlone.

The first residents are due to be accommodated within five weeks of the commencement of works at the site, and will then increase in phases, before reaching a maximum capacity of up to 1,000 International Protection Applicants.

Those set to be housed at the centre will be male asylum seekers, who will be accommodated in both tented and modular accommodation.

The Department of Integration says it's begun engaging with the local community this week, with information being provided about the planned development.

It also says the project is at a very early design stage, but it will continue to share information as the centre develops.

The project forms part of a Government strategy which will include developing emergency accommodation on five sites around the country.

More from Midlands News

Laois County Council Urge Continued STEM EU Just Transition Funding

The local authority is making the call ahead of an expiry of EU Just Transition funding in March.
EU Set To Unveil Housing Package As Fiscal Rules Face Relaxation

The proposals target short-term lettings and streamline construction rules.
Midlands Driving Instructor Calls For Mandatory Alcolock System

A sharp increase in drug driving cases was recorded in the Midlands
Westmeath Family Into Final Of Ireland's Fittest Family

The final takes place this Sunday.
Motion Calls For HSE Investigation Into Wind Turbine Noise Passed In Offaly

The motion was called by Fianna Fáil Claire Murray Smale.
Irish Farmers Head To Brussels On Tractors To Protest EU Policies

The IFA President and his son Tom are among those protesting.
Man Arrested Over Alleged Assault At Midlands Prison

The incident took place on December 6th.
Emergency Services Attend Westmeath Car Fire

The incident happened on Austin Friar Street.
Unanimous Vote Supports €20m Midlands Hospice Project

Construction is set to begin in 2026.
Drink Driving Rider Arrested After Illegal E-Scooter Seized In Offaly

The rider arrested was eight times over the legal limit.
Drug-Driving Surge Sparks Calls For Christmas Crackdown

A Westmeath town saw the highest increase in the region.
Revenue Seize Over €243k In Contraband In The Midlands

139 weapons were also seized.
Tributes Paid To Laois Man Following Accident

Ballacolla's Sean Geoghegan passed away on Saturday following an accident.
Midlands Hospice Planning Application Passed By Offaly County Council

The local authority will adjust the county development plan for the 20 bed facility,
Tolü Makay Joins Cast of DWTS Ireland

The Tullamore singer is the second Midlands celeb to be added to the 2026 lineup.
HSE Warn Flu Season Is Most Severe In Years

They're urging as many people as possible to get the flu vaccine over the next few days.
Laois Motorist Caught Speeding At 149 km/h

It comes as the Gardai and RSA are asking people to be cautious on the roads over Christmas.
Offaly Woman Opposing Removal Of Roadside Memorial Removals

Government is advising local authorities to limit them where the speed limit is 60 km/h.
White Christmas Possible For Midlands

Rhode's Cathal Nolan, founder of Ireland's Weather Channel, says snow is possible during the festive period.
Midlands Campaign Urges Church To Explain McGregor Wedding Decision

McGregor was found liable in a civil court for sexual violence.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103