LIVE: Department respond to woman in Spain's involvement in Dundrum asylum seeker contract

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has responded to claims revealed last night that a company with a Spanish woman named as Director, operated from Palma de Majorca, has been granted a contract worth roughly €16 to €20 million to operate an IPAS centre from the Dundrum House Hotel.

Last night, Cllr Liam Browne posted to his social media that a company known as Utmasta had signed the contract to operate the centre in the hotel.

READ MORE: 'Woman in Spain' to benefit from Dundrum House Hotel IPAS centre contract worth up to €20m

Utmasta also has a listed address in Sandyford Business Park, Dublin.

Cllr Browne raised concerns over the company’s legitimacy, citing that it did not exist prior to January 9 of this year, and that it has an estimated value of €120.

These concerns were echoed by locals through the comments on Cllr Browne’s post.

When asked about these concerns, the Department stated that all business undertaken was entirely legitimate and legal, and was confirmed via their extensive background checks.

In a statement issued by a spokesperson for the Department, they said: “The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted including checks via the Companies Registration Office to ensure compliance with Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.

“Offers of accommodation can be made by a property owner, or another person who has authority do so, such as a leaseholder. As part of our appraisal process, we confirm if an offer has come from someone with the appropriate authority.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Contract signed to house over 250 asylum seekers in Tipperary hotel

“In all instances where the Department enters into a contract with an accommodation provider, the onus is on the provider to ensure all activities are within legal limits. Furthermore, all statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of accommodation are met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.

“Contractual arrangements for IPAS centres are confidential and commercially sensitive.”

The Department also commented on their commitment to engaging with the local community, stating: "Our Community Engagement Team (CET) have engaged extensively with the local community about this property since May 2024.

"On 15 April 2025 the CET sent information on the property and type of accommodation to be provided directly to 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.

"Further information on our community engagement process is available online at gov.ie/communityengagement."