PROTESTS: Tipperary TD and councillor meet Minister on community hotel for town

Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill and Roscrea's Cllr Michael Smith met Minister Roderic O’Gorman yesterday afternoon in Leinster House to discuss the decision to accommodate 160 International Protection Applicants in the Racket Hall, Roscrea.

Deputy Cahill contacted Minister O’Gorman on Thursday last when the announcement was made in relation to the provision of IPA accommodation at the Racket Hall and requested a meeting with Minister O’Gorman, so that he and local Cllr Michael Smith could raise concerns in relation to the impact that this move will have on services and infrastructure in Roscrea.

Speaking this evening following the meeting, Deputy Cahill said: “I am pleased that both myself and Cllr Michael Smith were afforded the opportunity to meet with Minister O’Gorman to discuss the needs of Roscrea. There is a lot of concern locally, particularly in relation to the loss of the only hotel in the town. I am pleased with the discussions today and firmly believe that support will follow from Government for Roscrea.”

Cllr Michael Smith said: “Deputy Cahill and I had the opportunity to sit down face-to-face with the Minister and discuss the needs of Roscrea. We made a strong case for Government supports that would allow for the reopening of the old Grants hotel in the centre of the town as a community model hotel and I am pleased with the positive response from the Government.”

Following the meeting, Minister O’Gorman agreed to discuss Deputy Cahill and Cllr Smith’s proposal with the leadership of the three parties of Government.

Minister O’Gorman responded to Deputy Cahill this evening saying: “Across the Government parties, there is a recognition of the value that the proposal for a community hotel model would represent to the people of Roscrea.

“The Government parties agree in principle to examine funding mechanisms that can be brought forward to support this proposal.”

Both Deputy Cahill and Cllr Smith welcomed the response from Minister O’Gorman and have committed to continuing their work on this project.