LIVE: Tipperary hotel responds following 'rumours' of it being used as IPAS centre

A Tipperary hotel has responded following what it claims are "rumours" of it being used as IPAS centre.

Independent candidate in the Tipperary General Election, Mattie McGrath, said the Community Engagement Team at the Department of Integration had confirmed to him that the International Protection Accommodation Service was currently responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of Kilcoran Lodge Hotel & Leisure Centre and that a full assessment of the property was underway at the moment.

"I am appealing to the current owners to withdraw their application and retain this fabulous facility as a hotel," said Mattie McGrath.

READ MORE: Tipperary hotel could be used as a centre for people applying for international protection

Kilcoran Lodge Hotel & Leisure Centre is situated just outside picturesque Cahir and was built as the Earl of Glengall’s Hunting Lodge in the 19th century.

However, in a statement on Friday evening, the hotel said: "The Kilcoran Lodge Hotel is continuing to trade as normal, is currently taking bookings for the Christmas period and is looking forward to welcoming its guests during the festive period.

"The team at the Hotel welcomes the continued support of its loyal customers and hope they will visit the Hotel during this time.

"There are rumours currently circulating on social media and these rumours only make trade more challenging.

"The Hotel is currently in a sales process, is operating as a trading Hotel and no agreement is in place with any party that changes this position.

"We will be running promotions over the coming weeks to encourage our loyal customer base to attend the Hotel."