The Justice Minister has published an open letter of apology to the people of Kerry over the way a direct provision centre was opened in Cahirsiveen.

Locals have said the Skellig Star centre was opened in mid-March without proper consultation with the community.

At least 25 people have tested positive for COVID-19 at the centre since it opened and local politicians and groups have warned that is not possible to follow social distancing there.

In the letter, Minister Flanagan apologised “most sincerely” for the way the centre opened – but insisted it would not be shut in the near future.

"I know that there has been upset and anger," he wrote. "I know there has been suspicion and worry. I can see why they built up and I really regret the extent to which our actions fuelled them.

"That is why I want to explain as much as I can, to outline the circumstances and timelines, and by doing so, hopefully to rebuild trust."

File photo of the Old Barracks in Caherciveen, County Kerry, 01-05-2010. Image: Patrick Swan/Design Pics via ZUMA Wire

He said the COVID-19 crisis put officials in a position where they ‘needed new centres and needed them quickly’ and the Skellig Star was one of three places that had previously been identified as suitable.

“So, we moved people in within days. It was fast. I admit that. It left little or no time for engagement. I admit that. It was presented as a fait accompli. I admit that too,” he wrote.

“All I can say in my department’s defence is we simply did not feel we had a choice. We were facing an unprecedented health emergency and the Skellig Star was available to us.”

File photo of Cahersiveen, County Kerry, 23-07-2007. Image: The Irish Image Collection/Zuma Press/PA Images

He insisted officials did provide information to local representatives but said public health regulations prevented community engagement and led to a “build-up of concern and worry.”

He said none of the people who were moved from Dublin to Kerry were identified as a contact of anyone that had tested positive for the virus – and the first cases of the virus at the Skellig Star was diagnosed more than two weeks after residents were moved in.

He said all the residents are now nearing the end of their self-isolation period, but warned that when they do, “the hotel and its residents will still be, as you and all of us are, in the middle of a pandemic.”

“They will still need to socially distance and they will still need to do everything they can to minimise risk to themselves and others,” he wrote.

“They won’t be able to establish themselves as full members of the Caherciveen community for a while and you won’t be able to visit just yet – but I hope when it’s safe to do so that you will.”

Minister Flanagan acknowledged that much of the local concern about the centre “has been about the welfare of the residents and staff” and said he knows that “there is goodwill in Kerry towards those who come to our country seeking international protection.”

He said the centre is “operating and it will continue to do so” and noted that a contract has been signed for it to operate for at least 12 months.