Calls for urgent examination of IPAS contract in Tipperary given to mysterious Spanish company

Deputy Michael Murphy has formally called for the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee to urgently examine the IPAS contract between the Department of Justice’s International Protection Accommodation Service and Utmasta Limited for the operation of Dundrum House Hotel, Co Tipperary.

In correspondence sent to the Committee Chair, Deputy Murphy highlighted serious concerns over procurement transparency, beneficial ownership, company capacity, and planning compliance — and stressed that these issues must be examined separately in the public interest.

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The contract, estimated to be worth "between €16 million and €20 million" according to one local representative, was granted to a little-known company called Utmasta, which is now leasing Dundrum House Hotel for the purpose of housing International Protection applicants.

However, scrutiny mounted after it was revealed that Utmasta did not exist prior to January 9, 2025, according to claims by one Tipperary councillor.

Cllr Liam Browne says the company was incorporated in Spain at the beginning of this year, with a declared capital of only €120 and a single listed director, Ms Ana Maria Fernandez Sanchez.

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

Deputy Murphy said: “For the avoidance of doubt, my request to the Public Accounts Committee is entirely separate from the ongoing High Court proceedings involving Utmasta Limited. I make no comment on matters before the courts, which will take their own course. The issues I have raised concern the wider public interest — transparency in the award of public contracts, due diligence around beneficial ownership, compliance with planning law, and the safeguarding of taxpayer funds. These are matters the Dail has a duty to examine independently."

Concerns Cited in the Correspondence:

-On September 3 last, the High Court heard proceedings in a dispute involving Utmasta Ltd and its alleged links with a third party. While the legal process continues, Deputy Murphy has stressed that the PAC request is distinct and relates to separate accountability concerns;
-Planning Irregularities: Tipperary County Council has admitted flaws in its Section 5 declaration permitting change of use at Dundrum House. A judicial review is scheduled for September 29;
-Corporate Profile: Evidence suggests that Utmasta Ltd was only incorporated in January 2025 with a share capital of €120, no evident track record in managing accommodation centres, and a director based abroad. The contract is estimated at €16 million.

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Call for Scrutiny:

The letter to the Committee requests that PAC:

-Review procurement and due diligence in awarding the contract;
-Investigate financial and beneficial ownership structures;
-Examine compliance with planning and environmental requirements;
-Assess value-for-money and the safeguarding of taxpayer resources.

Broader Context:

Dundrum House Hotel is an 18th-century estate with longstanding community, tourism, and employment significance in Tipperary. Deputy Murphy noted that, while local concern remains high, the case also raises national issues about how multi-million-euro public contracts are awarded and overseen.

“This is about accountability and good governance. Contracts of this scale — worth tens of millions — must withstand the highest scrutiny. Where questions of procurement transparency, beneficial ownership, or planning legality arise, the Oireachtas must step in and provide oversight.”

“Given the gravity of the matters alleged and their implications for public trust in governance and financial accountability, I submit that this issue merits the Public Accounts Committee’s immediate consideration,” concluded Deputy Murphy.