Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has claimed that local people were “deliberately deceived” over the proposed use of a popular family-run hotel as an IPAS centre.
Deputy McGrath told Gript that he has received written confirmation from the Department of Integration that a contract is “likely to be signed” with the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel in Cahir, Tipperary, for International Protection Accommodation.
The TD said that he has repeatedly contacted the Department about the use of the hotel, but said it was “disappointing and upsetting” as he claimed that the government department was not transparent about plans for the hotel. When news came to light at the end of last year that the hotel had been offered for use for people applying for international protection in Ireland, the hotel management issued a statement.
In November, the management of the hotel said that “rumours” circulating on social media only made trade more challenging, according to Tipp Mid West Radio, adding: “The Hotel is currently in a sales process, is operating as a trading Hotel and no agreement is in place with any party that changes this position.”
The hotel, which has 22 bedrooms and employed 21 staff, was described as a “fabulous facility” by Deputy McGrath, as he urged owners to “withdraw” the application to turn it into an IPAS centre.
“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,” McGrath told Gript last year.
“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.”
“It’s such a shame,” Deputy McGrath said today. “What really is so upsetting is the denial that took place around this – and now we find out it’s true. It seems that local people were deliberately deceived.”
It is understood that details around the contract are unconfirmed. In response to a Gript query, the Department of Integration commented:
“The Department is working with communities all over Ireland to source and provide accommodation for people applying for international protection and emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. This is part of Irish and EU law and is also part of our humanitarian duty to provide shelter to people fleeing war and persecution in their home country.”
“The State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people in over 320 international protection accommodation centres around the country.
“Kilcoran Lodge Hotel Co Tipperary has been offered as accommodation for international protection applicants. This offer is currently being assessed.
“All offers of accommodation have to be assessed but not all are deemed appropriate or suitable. If an offer is accepted, the Community Engagement Team make contact with elected representatives, the Local Authority and other relevant groups in advance of the arrival of people seeking international protection in an area.
“These measures improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into an area. They also help the local community understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals. The Department also works closely with a number of other government Departments and Non-Governmental Organisations to provide a wide range of supports to help new arrivals to integrate into an area as quickly as possible.
“Further information on our community engagement process is available online atgov.ie/communityengagement.”