BREAKING: Hotel in Tipperary no longer under consideration for IPAS accommodation

It has been revealed today that a hotel in Tipperary is no longer being considered by the Department of Integration as changing it's use to an international protection centre. 

The news comes after controversy in recent months surrounding the hotel, Kilcoran Lodge, in relation to being put forward for assessment by the Department for use as an IPAS centre. 

In a statement released today by Independent TD Mattie McGrath, he said: "I am delighted to be informed that the Department are no longer considering Kilcoran Lodge Hotel for IPAS accommodation.

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"I have been raising this matter consistently for the last number of weeks and months insisting that this hotel be rejected as it serves an important amenity to the local area.

"I am delighted that this hotel is no now longer under consideration and I believe the use of hotels for IPAS accommodation must continue to be rejected.

"I would encourage the continued support of this hotel as an important venue and local business to ensure its viability and that it will continue as a hotel for many years to come."

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Concerns were previously raised by Deputy Mattie McGrath in the Dáil about the issue of hotels turning into IPAS centres in Tipperary.

In February of this year, the Department of Integration confirmed rumours that the hotel was being looked at to become an international protection centre for people fleeing war and persecution in their home country.