Tipperary councillor says prior concerns about Dundrum House Hotel were not acknowledged
Independent Cllr Liam Browne said locals knew that there were issues with wastewater treatment at the hotel, and had made those concerns clear to the council, but those concerns weren't acknowledged.
Local Tipperary representatives in the areas around Dundrum are speaking out in response to the council’s revelations on Monday June 16 regarding Dundrum House Hotel, that a section five exemption should never have been granted to the hotel in the first place.
Independent Cllr Liam Browne commented on the situation saying that it is another example of how justice could have been denied, had the Dundrum Heritage Group been unable to raise funds to take the injunction against the Local Authority.
“Many people who had local knowledge of Dundrum House, knew in the middle of last year, when the application to turn it into an IPAS centre began, that there were issues with wastewater treatment at the hotel, and had made those concerns clear to the council, but those concerns weren't acknowledged.
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“The council had a complaint about pollution by a WWT plant in the hotel back in 2020, and served a Section 12 notice on the owners. Numerous members of the public sent pictures, videos, e-mails telling the local authority and the Government that this pollution was still taking place at the back end of 2024.
“It was only when Dundrum Heritage Group raised money to bring an injunction that the council actually went out, did an inspection of the site, and realised that there was an unauthorised development, which was the WWT plant.
“Had they not, we wouldn't even be discussing this. Justice should not be based on your ability to pay for it.”
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Independent Cllr Máirín McGrath said that the situation was concerning, but confirms the issues raised by the local community all along. “It is paramount now that the contract for IPAS would be revoked as it was signed as a result of a now inaccurate section five exemption” she urged.
Cllr John O’Heney spoke about the loss of such an important amenity for the town, if the contract were to still go ahead after court proceedings.
“Dundrum House House is a renowned Hotel, Golf Club, Leisure Centre, Restaurant and Bar and it should be kept as such and to potentially lose these amenities to our area was ripping the social fibre and fabric out of our area.
“I stand with the Residents of Dundrum and the Business people of the area who have voiced their opposition to this occurring.
“Huge concerns have to be raised on how the IPAS Centres are being implemented nationally, and it is clear that the current Government policy is not working. The closing down of local hotels and other local amenities to accommodate this is not right.
"There has been a major lack of consultation and communication with the general public, particularly with the people of Dundrum.
"The decision will have a long-term impact on local schools, shops, doctors, hospitals, and security within the wider community.
"The Hotel has provided employment to local residents for decades. There will be a major economic impact on Dundrum Village going forward as the Village will not have any knock-on benefits that having a working Hotel in the area provides.
"I would question the motives behind the decision to house this IPAS Centre in the area and the word 'Greed' comes to mind.
"I have spent the entirety of my adult life helping people in need and I fully empathise with people who have been displaced, particularly by War and through no fault of their own. However, there must be a better solution to this issue on a National level. What is being proposed for Dundrum is not an amicable or agreeable solution.
"Putting so many people in such a small area simply cannot be good for them in the long-term, for either their mental health or their well being.
"I call on the Department of Integration to revoke any contract turning Dundrum House Hotel into a long-term IPAS Centre and to look for an alternative solution to this issue." concluded Cllr O'Heney.