Syrian asylum-seekers who are staying at an Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre in Ballaghaderreen have expressed mixed views on life in the town a month on from their arrival.

Speaking to Shannonside FM this week, one man claims he feels ‘under arrest’ in the town, but others are more positive about life in ireland.

About a month ago, a total of 137 Syrian asylum-seekers arrived in the Abbeyfield Hotel Eroc in groups and another 30 are set to arrive in about two weeks’ time.

Speaking to Shannonside FM yesterday, a number of them expressed varying views on the centre.

Ahmad Samer Fakash, who studied electrical engineering in Syria before arrived here, is particularly unhappy, describing himself as feeling ‘under arrest’ in the town.

Ahmad Al Yousef, who studied applied chemistry in university in Aleppo, is similarly bored in Ballaghaderreen.

However, 20-year-old Ghassan Shamet, who is separated from his family in Syria, is far more positive about Ballaghaderreen.