Local councillors in Drogheda are convening for an emergency meeting today to discuss contentious plans to utilize the town’s premier hotel, the ‘D Hotel’, as accommodation for asylum seekers.
The 113-bed, four-star establishment, situated along the picturesque River Boyne in the town center, has sparked debate as the government proposes to house 500 Global Security applicants there from March onwards.
Concerns about the potential impact on Drogheda’s tourism industry have been voiced by Councillor Michelle Hall, who worries about the implications for the town’s revitalization efforts.
“The government seems to have overlooked how this decision will affect Drogheda,” expressed Councillor Hall. “We’re striving to boost tourism in the area, with Drogheda designated as a key destination by Fáilte Ireland. However, a shortage of city center accommodation could hamper our efforts to attract visitors.”
Highlighting upcoming events, such as the comedy festival and the Lú Festival of Light, Councillor Hall emphasized the importance of having sufficient lodging options for visitors.
Despite the controversy, the D Hotel Drogheda has confirmed a two-year contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to accommodate asylum seekers.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the hotel outlined their commitment to reinvesting the funds from the contract into renovating the property, ensuring its longevity for the future.
The government’s struggle to find suitable accommodation for asylum seekers has been ongoing, with tent housing used as a temporary solution in some cases. With an estimated 80,000 Ukrainian refugees and additional asylum seekers in Ireland, finding adequate housing remains a challenge.
Table:
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Issue | Controversy over plans to house asylum seekers in D Hotel, Drogheda |
| Location | D Hotel, situated along the River Boyne in the town center |
| Concerns | Potential impact on Drogheda’s tourism industry; shortage of city center accommodation |
| Government Response | Proposal to utilize the hotel for 500 Global Security applicants; two-year contract confirmed with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |
| Hotel Statement | Commitment to reinvesting funds from the contract into renovating the property; ensuring longevity for the future |
| Background | Ongoing struggle to find suitable accommodation for asylum seekers in Ireland; use of tent housing as temporary solution; estimated 80,000 Ukrainian refugees and additional asylum seekers in the country |
Despite the government’s efforts to address the housing shortage, concerns remain about the long-term implications for both Drogheda’s tourism sector and the welfare of asylum seekers.
