A Clare Fine Gael councillor claims there’s “no relationship” between the Government’s acquisition of the Citywest Hotel and its intentions for properties here.
Following the State’s €148 million purchase of the Dublin facility which is currently housing international protection applicants, concerns are being raised around the precadent it sets for similar properties nationwide.
At 764 rooms, Citywest was once the largest commercial hotel in Ireland and forms part of a business campus consisting of a convention centre, shopping centre and residential development.
In 2020, the building was used a Covid-19 vaccination centre, and since 2022, it has been used to accommodate refugees – first Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and more recently, international protection applicants.
Announcing the almost €150 million acquisition this week, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said it represents “value for money” and forms part of a “long-term strategy to developing a sustainable accommodation system”.
The move has been greeted by protests locally however, with some wondering if it sets a precedent of the Government purchasing hotels to meet its obligation to house refugees in State-owned facilities under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy doesn’t believe this is a realistic possibility.
In a statement to Clare FM, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration says it’s “moving away from its reliance on the private sector to provide accommodation for people seeking international protection”.
It says an “expression of Interest process was launched in 2024 for the sourcing of suitable properties for acquisition or lease”.
Furthermore, the Department claims “providing any further information would not be in the best interest of achieving value for money for State funds” and “any development at a new or existing centre will be supported by full engagement with local community and stakeholders”.
With 18% of Clare’s hotel beds currently contracted to the State, Michael Vaughan of Vaughan’s Lodge in Lahinch says returning hotels to the private market must be enshrined in Government policy.
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