Calls for reopening of Grants Hotel in Roscrea in wake of asylum seeker controversy

Calls have been made for the reopening of old Grants hotel in Roscrea in wake of asylum seeker controversy.

Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill and Cllr Michael Smith met with Minister Roderic O’Gorman on Tuesday afternoon in Leinster House

The pair say they made a "strong case for Government supports that would allow for the reopening of the old Grants hotel in the centre of the town as a community model hotel and I am pleased with the positive response from the Government". 

Speaking on Tuesday evening following the meeting, Deputy Cahill said: "I am pleased that both myself and Cllr Michael Smith were afforded the opportunity to meet with Minister O’Gorman to discuss the needs of Roscrea.

"There is a lot of concern locally, particularly in relation to the loss of the only hotel in the town. I am pleased with the discussions and firmly believe that support will follow from Government for Roscrea."

Cllr Michael Smith said: "Deputy Cahill and I had the opportunity to sit down face-to-face with the Minister today and discuss the needs of Roscrea.

"We made a strong case for Government supports that would allow for the reopening of the old Grants hotel in the centre of the town as a community model hotel and I am pleased with the positive response from the Government."

Following the meeting, Minister O’Gorman agreed to discuss Deputy Cahill and Cllr Smith’s proposal with the leadership of the three parties of Government.

Minister O’Gorman responded to Deputy Cahill saying: "Across the Government parties, there is a recognition of the value that the proposal for a community hotel model would represent to the people of Roscrea.

"The Government parties agree in principle to examine funding mechanisms that can be brought forward to support this proposal."