The backlash that the Government received from the student accommodation debacle in Sligo is thought to be the catalyst for a new protocol.
Tensions arose between the Department of Integration and the Department of Further and Higher Education this summer over a proposal to house refugees in Milligan Court and Benbulben Court in the town.
It’s anticipated that the accommodation will be returned to around 500 students after the refugee contract was pulled late last week, although no confirmation has been issued yet.
Now, a new agreement between both Departments will mean student accommodation can only be used to house refugees if it’s been vacant for a year.
Speaking to Ocean FM news, Sligo Leitrim Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny hopes that the move will prevent any further controversy arising:
