Storm Éowyn damages tented Athlone asylum seeker accommodation

Tented accommodation for asylum seekers at Lissywollen in Athlone, which was put in place in recent months, has suffered damage from Storm Éowyn.

This morning (Friday), structural damage to some of the largest tents at what's formally known as the Midland Accommodation Centre could clearly be seen in the aftermath of the red-warning storm.

This evening, in response to queries from the Westmeath Independent, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed residents were not in the tents during the extreme weather event.

A spokesperson said the 185 male international protection applicants at the centre had been "temporarily moved to indoor accommodation" yesterday (Thursday), ahead of the storm.

The Department said the full extent of the damage caused to the tents in Athlone was not yet clear.

"The storm is still ongoing, and the site will be fully inspected and assessed when it is safe to do so," said the spokesperson.

"All IPAS centres that provide accommodation in tented structures are required to have contingency plans in place for severe weather events."

Athlone Mayor Frankie Keena said the storm had caused extensive damage across the town, and he hoped that everyone was safe and nobody had been injured as a result of it.

"In particular I noticed the damage done to the Midland Accommodation Centre, where the main tent has been damaged," said Cllr Keena.

This mobile phone video gives an idea of the toll which the storm took on the tented facility:

The development of the temporary accommodation centre has proven controversial, and Cllr Keena is among a group of Athlone councillors who have brought a legal challenge against it.

Another hearing of the case taken by the local councillors is due before the High Court this coming Monday, January 27.

Cllr Keena said the weather damage to the site this morning, "really puts the whole thing into question again.

"The Department conceded before Christmas that they had erred in relation to (the accommodation centre), and that it's an unauthorised development.

"This is a further concern and issue, as well, to have a storm cause this kind of damage to it."

He said there were many trees and branches down on roads across Athlone, and he encouraged motorists to be particularly careful on roads today.