Security assaulted at Clonmel site marked for refugees

An investigation is under way after security workers were assaulted and a number of vehicles were damaged by fire overnight at a site in Clonmel earmarked for modular homes for refugees.

The incident occurred at Heywood Road, on the edge of the town, at about 11.40pm when security personnel contracted to work on the site were assaulted by a number of individuals, according to gardaí.

One of the workers was hospitalised while a number of vehicles were damaged.

Gardaí have conducted a technical examination of the scene and appealed for any witnesses to the incident, including anyone with CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage to get in touch with them.

No arrests have yet been made.

The site is the subject of plans by the Department of Integration and the OPW to install 82 modular homes for Ukrainian refugees.

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It is understood that it is likely to be late this year before the pre-built homes will start to actually arrive on the land and possibly early next year before they are ready for occupation.

However, a small amount of preparatory work has been taking place in recent weeks and there have been some protests in the area by people who are against the idea.

The Government’s plan is part of a programme to provide short-term accommodation for about 2,600 Ukrainians at different sites across the country.

There have already been modular home developments at sites including Cavan, Mahon in Cork, Sligo town, and Claremorris in Mayo, for accommodating Ukrainian refugees.

The OPW said it is aware of the incident and that it is engaging with the contractor, Sisk Ltd, in relation to site security and also with An Garda Síochána regarding “public order issues arising at the site”.

The site was part of a parcel of land owned by the HSE and is in the process of being transferred to the OPW.

The HSE said this evening it is aware of what happened and is encouraging anyone with information to co-operate with the Garda investigation.