Protest/meeting at the former Belmont Hotel, Knock Co. Mayo, 27 May 2024

[scolairebocht]

Belmont Hotel 53.785200, -8.920099.

In response to public concern on the matter, which has even reached the ears of Midwest radio, a public meeting was organised in Knock Co. Mayo at the former Belmont Hotel site to ascertain community reaction to a proposed asylum centre at that hotel. It was called by Paul Lawless, who spoke first, and then addressed by Mark Devane, both being local election candidates, the former for Aontú and the latter for Independent Ireland.

These two speakers dwelt at length on their concerns on the matter, and their strong support for earlier protests, with Mark Devane emphasising his great track record at Ballinrobe and other places, with Paul Lawless stating how he was virtually alone in opposing these centres two years ago. Some further remarks were also made by Aaron Kelly, again a local election candidate, this time for The Irish People Party, who is a veteran of many protests and similar ventures and so felt it necessary to warn against people who might cause division, and indeed against politicians in general. In any case it developed into a slightly fractious debate after that and not much of a concrete nature emerged. Nonetheless Paul Lawless intends to hold another the following night (28/5/2024) where he hopes some local dignitaries will attend and shed some light on their plans for the building.

Many thanks to all who attended and what follows are a few pictures and an interview with attendees David Darcy and Aaron Kelly.

by Brian Nugent

 

[Professor]

Mind you, every cloud has a silver lining and no better place for a miracle than in Knock itself. Suggest this light heartily but also from a personal curiosity in seeing how things are dealt with from religious, social, cultural locales. . .

Meanwhile I'll take this opportunity to suggest that People of Knock can make changes for their own benefit and major benefit by developing alternative and suitable new venues for themselves in a movement in which to enliven and recreate their own local cultures & communities . . .

Perspectives - Ways - & - Means.

 

[Declan]

Wherefore Come out from among them, and be ye separate