Buncrana group issues message of welcome to asylum seekers following attacks

Dozens of businesses and community groups in the Buncrana area along with politicians from Donegal have lent their support to a welcome message for asylum seekers who have arrived in the town in recent months.

The Buncrana For All group has issued a welcome statement to the dozens of new residents who have come to the town this year seeking international protection.

The statement follows an incident where a firework was thrown at an emergency accommodation centre in the town and an arson attack caused significant damage to a  building which is planned to be turned into an accommodation centre for Ukrainian refugees by former presidential candidate Peter Casey.

The group recently held a welcome event in the town and says it has been engaging with local public representatives, community groups and businesses to address “recent tensions created by a very small minority”.

“We wish to extend the warmest of Buncrana, Inishowen, Donegal and Irish welcomes to all

those who have arrived to Buncrana recently and to let you all know so many people are

looking forward to meeting you all,” the group said in a statement.

 Antonia Smith of Buncrana For All said the town has experienced some very serious incidents recently.

“We are working within the community to try to de-escalate tensions before someone is seriously hurt.”

“There is a small but vocal minority online which might give the impression that the prevailing view in Buncrana is one of fear, anger and exclusion,” she said.

“This small minority are using the fact that we need better services, safe and Mica-free homes, and decent work, to turn us against each other and to fuel hate.

“The number of people in attendance at the welcome event we organised on The Shore Front in Buncrana, even though it was organised only a few short days beforehand, is testament to how lovely people in Buncrana are.”

She said people are mainly only concerned because of the misinformation they have been seeing online. 

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Sinead Stewart of the group said that communities “often feel left in the dark as a result of government policy”.

“Our communities are hurting for many reasons - often as a result of systemic under-resourcing like we have here in Donegal, so when there's a significant moment in a community it can serve as a lightning rod for channelling unrest. From there it can quickly become weaponised.

“We are aiming to ensure Buncrana does not fall into that trap.”

The group said TDs Thomas Pringle, Joe McHugh and Padraig MacLochlainn have endorsed the letter of welcome along with Senator Eileen Flynn and MEP Luke Ming Flanagan.

The letter is also supported by local councillors Jack Murray, Paul Canning, Martin Farren, Terry Crossan, Albert Doherty and Nicolas Crossan as well as Fr Francis Bradley; parish priest of Desertegney and Lower Fahan; and Rev Canon Judi McGaffin of the Church of Ireland parish of  Upper and Lower Fahan.

A wide range of local businesses in the area and community and art groups have also lent their support to the letter which states: “So whether you are staying with us for a short time, or you are making this community your home, we are so glad you are joining us and wish you a safe, prosperous and happy time here in Buncrana.”