Refugee proposal for convent

Cllr Martin Grady has reacted angrily to news that the Presentation Convent in Killarney will be used to house refugees.

The recently sold building will house 104 people once the building is a made suitable for such purposes.

This work could be completed by October according to sources.

The building was bought last week for €3 million – double its asking price.

Grady says that there are currently 46 adults and six children listed as homeless in Kerry – figures he has verified through Kerry County Council officials.

They have to pay a service charge – up to €40 a week - towards cleaning and upkeep of their sheltered accommodation and this money is taken out of their weekly social welfare entitlement. Refugees do not have to pay upkeep fees despite also being in receipt of social welfare payments each week.

“I am not against refugees. Our own citizens are also vulnerable in society. What I am calling for is for the government to review this – that a service charge must be paid by refugees. They are not contributing a penny towards accommodation, something has to give,” he said.