Calls grow to restore Tipperary hotel for tourism use amid IPAS controversy

Residents of Tipperary are urging the restoration of the historic Dundrum House Hotel for tourism purposes, amid frustration over its current use as an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre.

Fine Gael councillor John Crosse told Tipperary County Council that people in and around the village of Dundrum want the hotel returned to tourism and leisure use, rather than continuing as a centre for International Protection Applicants (IPAs).

The issue has sparked heated debate in recent months after it emerged that a contract had been signed to house IPAs at the hotel. Concerns were raised when it was revealed that the company managing the centre had only recently been established and was registered to an address in Spain.

Last month, the company that owned Dundrum House Hotel, Brogan Capital Ventures, went into liquidation, resulting in the loss of 48 jobs. The IPAS centre on the site, however, remained unaffected.

Speaking at the September council meeting, Cllr Crosse suggested that Tipperary Tourism or the council itself could bring forward a motion to designate the Dundrum House site as tourism and amenity use.

“People want the hotel returned to tourism, and if it had a specific designation, it could attract developers to restore the site to its former glory,” Cllr Crosse said.

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The closure of the hotel’s golf course, leisure centre, and restaurant has shocked locals, with independent councillor Liam Browne describing it as a community issue, not merely a business one.

“Vital facilities like the golf course and leisure centre are now closed, and a historic site is at risk. The government must investigate why a company with unknown beneficial owners was awarded a State contract, confirm whether public funds were used, and take urgent steps to protect jobs and services in Dundrum,” he said.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath described the sudden closure of Dundrum House Hotel as a “devastating blow to staff, local suppliers, and the wider community” and called on government ministers to intervene urgently.