Convoy carrying modular homes departs Coole

Almost 20 modular housing units that arrived on a convoy of lorries in Coole overnight have now left again, following a protest by locals today.

Members of Coole Concerns had received a tip-off that the homes would be arriving, after weeks of speculation, and had parked cars to block the entrance of the site where, it is presumed, they were to be erected.

Earlier today, a convoy of more than 20 vehicles had parked between the medical centre at Coole, out along the R395 towards Castlepollard.

The road was then closed to car traffic by gardaí, and patrol cars stationed at each entrance to the village.

Last week, Westmeath County Council issued enforcement proceedings against the developer of the site where the modular homes were to be installed.

The site is adjacent to Coole Court apartments, where around 100 asylum seekers are currently being accommodated.

Minister Peter Burke arrived on scene in Coole around 1.30pm today and informed locals that there was no government involvement in the arrival of modular homes to the village.

“There has been a warning notice issued to the developer in relation to the work that has been in progress here over the last number of weeks,” he told the Westmeath Examiner.

“As a government, we are clear that there has to be planning compliance.

“In relation to International Protection, there is no planning exemption.

“The government didn’t facilitate this in any way and I think it’s inappropriate how the community have been treated.”

Minister Burke reiterated that “in no way” was the government involved in the plan.

The modular homes then left in a convoy again at around 2.10pm.

The Department of Inetgration have also confirmed they had no involvement in plans to install modular housing units at Coole.