Impact of housing asylum seekers in Tipperary hotel in town's busiest street is 'huge'

The impact of accommodating asylum seekers in Hearns Hotel, the only hotel in the town centre of Clonmel, is "huge," according to Senator Garret Ahearn.

It was confirmed this week that the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth expects that the hotel “can be brought into use in the near future to provide accommodation to people seeking international protection”.

“Discussions are at an advanced stage. In advance of the property coming into use, the Community Engagement Team will provide a briefing document to elected representatives,” the IPPS statement added.

Speaking during a debate in the Seanad last week, Senator Garret Ahearn said “I asked how many people would be staying there. Everyone knows there are 26 rooms (in Hearns Hotel).

“In other places around the country, it is four per room because they are families. That means we should know and should be able to tell the public that 100 people will be coming into that hotel.

“The real problem we have is that the impact of this is huge. It is on Parnell Street, the main street. It is the only hotel in the town centre of Clonmel. We have had this before with Roscrea.

“Removing the only hotel has a huge impact. It is closing a late bar and nightclub, O’Keeffe’s, which is right beside it and which has to be closed because families are being put in there.

“It has an impact on every single business on Parnell Street. It is the busiest street from the point of view of hospitality, restaurants and pubs.

“The people of Clonmel are greatly concerned that there is no communication”.

Senator Ahearn asked what supports would be provided for the international protection applicants.

“As anyone from Clonmel will tell you, you cannot get a GP. If you go into a GP in Clonmel, they will tell you there are no vacancies. They cannot take you on. The accident and emergency department in the hospital is under huge pressure.

“Has contact been made with the local schools in the area? If people are coming, children will be among them. Will there be accommodation for those children come September”?

Senator Ahearn said the people of Clonmel are greatly concerned that there is no communication.

“The provider (of Hearns Hotel) said a few months ago that he would not use it for international protection and then he was found out. The new owners were found out to be misleading.

“Everyone in the town knows this is happening. Everyone in the town can see workers going in, changing windows, putting in carpets and putting in curtains.

“That is all happening because of engagement with the Department as to what needs to be changed".

The historic 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.