Concerns have been raised about the future use of a popular hotel in Cahir, South Tipperary, which is reportedly set to become an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre.
Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath told Gript that he has received confirmation via email that the International Protection Accommodation Service is currently responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Co. Tipperary. The TD says that the email was received from the Community Engagement Team at the Department of Integration, and that a full assessment of the property is underway at present.
Tipperary Live also reports that the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel has been “offered for use for accommodation for people applying for international protection” and “is being examined to see if it is a suitable building for accommodation applicants.”
The Kilcoran Lodge Hotel and Leisure Centre is situated just outside Cahir, and is described as a “charming Country House Hotel” which boasts views of the Knockmealdown Mountains, complete with 20 acres of landscaped gardens. It is situated less than five minutes from the M8 and under an hour from either Cork and Shannon Airports.
The hotel was built as the Earl of Glengall’s Hunting Lodge in the 19th century, and has 23 en-suite bedrooms. It is a popular location for guests to explore Ballyhoura Country, the Rock of Cashel, Blarney, the Mitchelstown Caves and Cahir Castle, and has golf, cycling, horse riding and fishing amenities. On its website, the hotel – which remains open – says it caters for all occasions including family celebrations, communions, and confirmations.
The Independent TD has publicly appealed to the current owners of the three-star hotel to withdraw their application and retain the facility as a hotel for the local community.
“We now have the unfortunate news that the owners – the present owners – have applied to be used as an IPAS centre to house refugees (international protection applicants),” Deputy McGrath said.
“There’s huge disappointment among the up to 20 staff here between the hotel and the leisure centre. This hotel has been in existence for over 100 years. Built by the elders of Lingal, it has given support and solace to the community in that 100 years. Weddings, funerals, events, Christmas parties, artists performing, and indeed, most recently, craft fairs and things like that.
“Wonderful staff, wonderful ambiance, the view is known all over Ireland as a wonderful setting. It’s a shame and nearly criminal that it would be used now by the present owners for greed, just for greed, not for humanitarian issues, just to make huge money and a quick buck, and to help with the people of the area or indeed the community or as i said, Cahir and surrounding areas,” the TD added.
“I’ve been to so many friendly, family and fun events there and it’s a pity this happens. I’m appealing to the present owners to withdraw their application.”
He said that staff from the IPAS Department visited the hotel last week, assessing the building, describing it as “a very precarious situation.”
“It’s commercially sensitive at the moment. I’m asking the owners please, please retain this fabulous facility for the people of South Tipperary and far beyond,” Deputy McGrath urged.
The news has already stirred up reaction online, with some locals expressing their disappointment.
One social media user wrote: “Well said Mattie McGrath. We’re all so disappointed here in Burncourt at the thought of our local hotel and leisure centre not being accessible to us and our families anymore. The leisure centre in Kilcoran Lodge has contributed to keeping my elderly parents healthy in mind and body for the past 30 years. Please God the new owner will reconsider and allow this local and amazing facility to stay as is.”
“The Country is quickly been destroyed,” another user wrote.
“The people who keep voting in the same government who are allowing this to happen are as much in fault. Why isn’t there protection for these type buildings? But if you wanted to change design of them it’s a different story,” another comment read.
Also highlighting concerns about the potential closure of the hotel’s leisure centre, another woman wrote: “Has anyone taken into consideration the fact that this is the only local pool in the area currently providing swimming lessons to over 100 children every week with another 200 plus on the waiting list to start lessons. Where exactly will these children have access to lessons if the pool is closed?”
Gript has reached out to the Department of Integration for further comment regarding the use of the hotel.