Owners of historic hotel in Tipperary say 'it's business as usual'

The owners of the historic Hearns Hotel in Clonmel say that it is open to the public and operating as a hotel, “as it has done for many years, and will continue to do so hopefully for many more years to come”.

The statement by the owners was issued after Deputy Mattie McGrath claimed he had received verbal confirmation from the Community Engagement Team within the Department of Integration that Hearns Hotel had been offered to the Department for the accommodation of either Ukrainians or International Protection Applicants.

Deputy McGrath said he had since received written confirmation from the Community Engagement Team that the property is being considered for the accommodation of International Protection Applicants/Asylum Seekers (IPAS) but that the process is in the early stages and the property hasn’t been deemed suitable or unsuitable at this time.

He says that the property is not being considered for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs), which includes Ukrainians fleeing the war in their homeland.

In a message on social media the new owners of Hearns Hotel stated that, contrary to recent rumours, “the new proprietors are committed to the project of bringing a fresh lease of life to this historic premises at the centre of our town, and are unaware of any applications that have been referenced. All plans are focussed on creating a safe space for the entire community to share”.

They said it was “business as usual in Hearns Hotel, welcoming everybody with open arms, whether it be for an overnight stay or refreshments in our residents bar,” adding that the adjoining O’Keeffe’s nightclub also remains open.

Deputy Mattie McGrath said he had shared a post with the public on social media due to “the ongoing rumours and phone calls I was receiving on the matter, and the clarification I received from the Department”.

“Far too often when contracts are signed and the public are informed, the first question put to politicians is did you know and when did you find out. I have repeatedly called for full transparency on these contracts and engagement with the communities prior to the signing of contracts, so I could not withhold information I had from the public when I was being asked, as to do so would not be transparent.

“I sincerely hope that any offers made to the Department have been withdrawn and that the venue will continue to operate as it has always done with the support of the town, and I am open to engaging with the new owners”.

He said he had sought further information and clarification from the Department of Integration and Community Engagement Team, as well as a meeting to discuss the matter with Minister of State Joe O’Brien.

Hearns Hotel, which was founded as a hotel by Daniel Hearn in 1792, was the headquarters for Charles Bianconi, the immigrant Italian who is credited with having revolutionised public transport in Ireland by linking towns across the country with his horse and carriage service. His first coach ran from Clonmel to Cahir in 1815.

Meanwhile, Sinead Carr, Tipperary County Council’s Town Manager in Clonmel, says that the Department of Equality, Children, Diversity, Integration and Youth (DECDIY) has advised the council that it is currently assessing a variety of different buildings and sites offered to the Department by private owners throughout the county for the purpose of accommodating Applicants of International Protection and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. Recent notification had been received by the council relating to a couple of sites within the town of Clonmel.

“The Department has indicated that not all properties or sites offered are appropriate and a number are refused. Following a thorough assessment, the Department will decide whether to progress with a particular building/site or not.

“Where it proposes to progress with a property and has negotiated an agreement with the owner, the Department will advise the council.

“The council in turn will advise the broader local community and our elected members through appropriate channels. The Department will then utilise its community engagement team to liaise in more detail with the community and elected members.

“In the consideration and selection of any property/site, the council will request the Department, when making a decision, to give due consideration to a number of matters including the location of the property, availability of education and health facilities, appropriate wraparound services and that appropriate checks are carried out.

“Tipperary County Council recognises that we have a duty to meet our obligations to the international community. The council is proud of the warm reception and welcome that genuine people fleeing war and persecution have broadly received to date in Tipperary by our communities”.