The Güeñes City Council has issued a statement to clarify information and debunk rumors regarding the potential relocation of a residential reception resource for minors from Bilbao to Güeñes. The council denies that the center will be located in the former Erreka hotel-restaurant premises or that it is exclusively for unaccompanied foreign minors.
This residential protection and reception resource is for minors and adolescents under the guardianship of the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, who receive comprehensive care and educational and psychosocial support from specialized professionals.
Upon learning of the situation, the mayor of Güeñes, Juan Andrés Iragorri, convened a meeting with representatives from the Obispado de Bilbao and the Fundación Eudes, entities linked to the project. The aim was to gain firsthand knowledge of its characteristics, resolve existing doubts, and ensure maximum transparency towards the municipality.
Furthermore, the City Council clarifies that the new resource is not planned for the former Erreka hotel-restaurant facilities, as has been suggested in some comments and publications.
During the meeting, the City Council emphasized the need for any relocation to be carried out with all guarantees, prioritizing the well-being and protection of the minors. Information was requested regarding psychosocial and educational assessments, continuity of schooling, family and social relationships, activities, routines, and the planned care model in Güeñes.
Similarly, the City Council requested details about the resource's characteristics, the number of minors expected, the professional team, the necessary authorizations, and the coordination mechanisms between responsible entities and the Council itself.
The City Council makes it clear that it is not responsible for deciding the location of this resource, but considers it essential to be aware of any action impacting the municipality, maintain direct dialogue with the responsible entities, and carry out appropriate monitoring within its competencies.
In this regard, the Council will continue to gather information and will communicate matters of public interest to the citizens, respecting at all times the privacy and rights of the minors.
Commitment to coexistence and solidarity
Güeñes is a municipality committed to coexistence, solidarity, and the protection of minors. For this reason, the City Council considers it fundamental to address this issue with responsibility, rigorous information, and respect, avoiding rumors, prejudices, or unverified claims that could cause unnecessary concern among citizens or affect minors in a particularly vulnerable situation.
Therefore, the Güeñes City Council calls for calm and responsibility, especially in the face of unverified information.
The Council will continue to work with transparency, coordination, and institutional responsibility, maintaining direct communication with the responsible entities and ensuring adequate coexistence within the municipality, within its powers.
