TD calls for immediate end to IPAS contract at Dundrum House after High Court decision
Independent TD Mattie McGrath issued the call to the Government in wake of High Court decision to quash Section 5 planning exemption for the former Tipperary hotel
Tipperary Independent TD Mattie McGrath has called on the Government to immediately rescind the IPAS accommodation contract for Dundrum House Hotel after today’s High Court decision quashed the Section 5 planning exemption granted by Tipperary County Council.
Deputy McGrath said: “This ruling confirms what local communities have been saying for months: the planning process was flawed, and the certificate should never have been issued. The Government cannot ignore the court’s findings. Continuing with this contract would be a gross insult to the people of Dundrum and surrounding areas.”
Deputy McGrath maintained the High Court judgment means the legal basis for the accommodation arrangement has collapsed.
He demanded that the Government follow the precedent set in other areas where similar contracts were cancelled:
“We have seen contracts rescinded elsewhere when compliance could not be guaranteed. The same must happen here and I have written to the Minister for Justice calling for immediate action," he stated.
Deputy McGrath also reiterated his long-standing opposition to the use of Dundrum House Hotel for IPAS accommodation:
“This facility should never have been earmarked for this purpose without full transparency and proper planning safeguards. It’s time to end this arrangement and restore confidence in the planning system. This Government simply cannot stand over operators receiving millions in state contracts while operating outside of the law.” continued McGrath
He concluded by calling for greater accountability in how IPAS contracts are awarded and a full review of the decision-making process:
“Communities deserve respect, not decisions made behind closed doors. The Government must act now cancel the contract and ensure this never happens again.”