Cleric calls for Achill talks

THE Archbishop of Tuam has called for further consultation with communities following protests against plans to house 13 female asylum-seekers on Achill Island.

Archbishop Michael Neary said that neither he nor the Church had been consulted about the proposed move which he said has added to people’s misunderstandings.

But he added that Christians have a moral obligation to ‘welcome the stranger’.

‘In relation to Achill, it is important that effective advance planning be undertaken by the State including a full and transparent consultation with local people.

‘Such preparations should go some way to allay fears and misunderstandings while, at the same time, enabling this important human-centred initiative to work sustainably for the whole community,’ he said in a statement last night.

Archbishop Neary added that Christians have a moral obligation to welcome those who are less fortunate than them and described the people of Achill as ‘a welcoming people’.

‘As Christians we are morally obliged to welcome the stranger and, in the context of our improved circumstances, we have a responsibility to share with those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We should also be particularly alert to those who are experiencing serious upheaval and a crisis of hope in their lives,’ he said.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has said he plans to press ahead with the proposal despite opposition from local people and called on those opposed to the project to lift what has been dubbed ‘the siege of Achill’.