Clare villagers warm to local asylum-seekers

Less than a year after heated opposition in the Clare village of Corofin to the impending arrival of asylum-seekers, the foreign nationals now enjoy a popular welcome from the local community.

Tension was high last April when fears were expressed over the possible health impact of the asylum-seekers' arrival. At a public meeting attended by over 500 locals, concern was expressed that the village's summer tourist trade would be destroyed.

Despite the fears, last December the occupants of the Corofin tourist hostel were over-subscribed with offers from local families to join them for Christmas dinner.

According to 31-year-old Nigerian Steven Alade, one of the first asylum-seekers to arrive last May: "The villagers are very friendly. They treat us like their own family. During the Christmas festival they invited all of us to their various homes and we enjoyed it."

This is echoed by his compatriot, 24-year old Ajala Bubatunde: "The people are very, very friendly. They try to ask you about your situation and try to listen to what you have to say."

The co-owner of the hostel, Marie Neylon, said: "There is a lot of positive feedback that I get from the lads and from locals."

There are 14 asylum-seekers, of eastern European and African origin, staying at the hostel. They each receive £15 per week, along with a travel allowance of £5. Centre operators receive between £22.50 and £27 per night per asylum-seeker from the Department of Justice.

Recalling the atmosphere around the time of the public meeting, Ms Neylon said: "That was hard and difficult. It was very unpleasant for everyone and I think it came from hysteria that had built up at various other places."

On sabbatical from secondary teaching, Ms Neylon adds she has found the experience very enriching. "The asylum-seekers have all taught me a thing or two about life and living. I have got more out of keeping them than anything I have done in a long time."

To overcome any difficulties that may arise at the hostel, a weekly meeting is held with residents, while African food is also provided.

John Burke, a Corofin businessman and resident, said: "There has not been any negative impact. A lot of the fears didn't come to pass."

Mr Alade said: "The village is small. Where I come from there are 20 million people, so it is a bit strange and it is boring a lot of the time. I would like to be allowed to work."

They have used bicycles provided by the hostel to explore the Burren and Clare. Mr Adale adds: "Sometimes we would cycle over 90 miles in one week." They also attend computer and English classes twice a week at the Ennis Adult Education Centre.

Ms Orla Ni Eili of the Irish Refugee Council said the council was pleased with the response in Corofin to the asylum-seekers.

However, she said the dispersal programme put a lot of psychological pressure on asylum-seekers and the asylum-seekers in Corofin were fortunate to be in a small centre and enjoy the support of Marie Neylon. "In other centres, conditions are not as hospitable," Ms Ni Eili pointed out.