An Inishowen TD has said he has been informed that a former local hotel is ‘no longer under consideration’ for the accommodation of asylum seekers.
Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn said the pressed government officials over plans to convert the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin, for use as an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) Centre.
The hotel closed to the public in October, 2022, following the retirement of the previous owners.
The Sinn Fein TD said the owners have applied to Donegal County Council for a ‘planning exemption’ to use the building for temporary accommodation.
“I am aware of the application from the owners of the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin to turn it into an IPAS Centre and I am totally opposed to it,” Deputy MacLochlainn said.
“We are coping with a deep defective block crisis and Donegal has shouldered more centres for Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers than any other county.”
However, he said, the relevant government department told him the hotel was no longer being considered as an IPAS centre.
“A few weeks ago, I received the following response from the government officials who deal with IPAS centres,” he said.
The department confirmed it did receive an offer of accommodation in respect of the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin, but the property “is no longer under consideration”.
Last Friday, Deputy MacLochlainn added, he contacted the department again for ‘absolute assurance’ that should this planning exemption be granted, the owners will not secure a contract.
“The community in Ballyliffin and Inishowen need to be heard. This cannot go ahead,” he concluded.
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