LIVE: Department confirms rumours that Tipperary hotel has been offered as IPAS accommodation

Rumours circulating since mid-November that the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, located in Cahir, has been offered to the Department of Integration to become an international protection centre for people fleeing war and persecution in their home country, have been confirmed again this week by the Department of Integration. 

In a statement sent to TipperaryLive yesterday, a spokesperson for the Department said: " The Department is working with communities all over Ireland to source and provide accommodation for people applying for international protection and emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. This is part of Irish and EU law and is also part of our humanitarian duty to provide shelter to people fleeing war and persecution in their home country.

"The State is currently accommodating over 33,000 people in over 320 international protection accommodation centres around the country.

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"Kilcoran Lodge Hotel Co Tipperary has been offered as accommodation for international protection applicants. This offer is currently being assessed.

"All offers of accommodation have to be assessed but not all are deemed appropriate or suitable. If an offer is accepted, the Community Engagement Team make contact with elected representatives, the Local Authority and other relevant groups in advance of the arrival of people seeking international protection in an area.

"These measures improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into an area. They also help the local community understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals. The Department also works closely with a number of other government Departments and Non-Governmental Organisations to provide a wide range of supports to help new arrivals to integrate into an area as quickly as possible."

The hotel has issued a statement in response to the news stating: "The Hotel previously issued a statement on 15 November 2024 in relation to this matter and as part of this statement it was confirmed that the Hotel was going through a sales process. 

"No agreement has been reached with any party regarding the sale of the Hotel. No preferred purchaser for the Hotel has been identified. The Hotel has had no contact whatsoever with the Department or any other body regarding IPAS."

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