In a week where there have been many fears and concerns expressed by local residents regarding possible plans to create a Direct Provision Centre in the village of Oughterard, I am concerned that these anxieties among the resident population may be interpreted as antagonism towards refugees and asylum seekers.
Many fears are overcome when local people have the opportunity to meet with those who may come to live alongside them in such a Centre and to hear their stories. I myself have visited the Direct Provision Centre in another part of my Diocese, at Ballaghaderreen, and found the people…
