LIVE: Concern over plans to house International Protection applicants in Tipperary hotel

Concern has been expressed over plans to house International Protection applicants in Dundrum House Hotel. 

Tipperary Sinn Féin TD, Martin Brown, said: "Because Oireachtas members were not informed of plans to use Dundrum House Hotel as new International Protection emergency accommodation, and because the Department of Integration and the Community Engagement Team have not responded to my queries, I have been speaking to Tipperary County Council.

"I have been informed that the council’s understanding is that the Hotel is to be used to accommodate up to 80 international protection applicants, and that the DCEDIY have clearly stated that it is to “be used for families (with no adult males), females and female couples."

"Dundrum has really stepped up in assisting people in need over the years. I’m concerned at the impact the latest announcement may have for services locally, and I have sought information from the Department in this regard.

"The Department’s strategy for accommodating people, and its failure to engage locally – whether that is with the local community or local representatives – is appalling and represents a failure in communication and a failure in its duty to the localities who have an outstanding record in accommodating and assisting people in need.

"I have made this known to the Department in the past and will continue to outline concerns locally.

"In this particular instance, there has been no communication from the Department. As of the time of writing, neither the Department, nor the Community Engagement Team have formally told Oireachtas members of the plans for Dundrum, nor have they replied to the queries that I have been making since this issue first came to my attention.

"Additionally, it is worth reminding local government representatives that it is their political parties who are responsible for the shambolic approach that is devoid of a plan or of any intention of working with communities.

"They have a responsibility to get their colleagues to be open with the communities they ask so much of. They also have a duty to influence their colleagues to develop a plan that actually works and takes the needs of communities into account."

IN a further statement on Wednesday evening, Deputy Browne added: "Please see the information provided by the Community Engagement Team this afternoon regarding Dundrum House Hotel.

"Takeaway points:

- The capacity is for 80 people

- The 80 beds, previously occupied by beneficiaries of temporary protection, have been identified for international protection applicants.

"The capacity at this property remains the same. We have also been informed that occupants will number 80 and will be women and children with no men over 18."