Pollagh (Achill)

In November 2019, Pollagh became the scene of controversy after local people began a three month-long 24/7 protest to prevent refugees being accommodated in the Achill Head Hotel in the village.^[2] Because of the protest, the Department of Justice, which is responsible for refugees in the direct provision system, decided that staying in Pollagh was not in the best interests of the vulnerable female refugees concerned.^[2][3] Protesters insisted their motivation wasn't racist,^[3] a stance that was met with skepticism from some quarters.^[4] The protest petered out after two weeks.^{[citation needed]}

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, the Achill Head Hotel was used to accommodate both male and female refugees from Ukraine.^{[citation needed]} No objections were raised by locals, and Ukrainians remained living in the village for several years.^{[citation needed]}