Louth TD writes to Ministers ahead of expiry of IPAS contract with D hotel

Louth TD Ged Nash, said has formally written to Ministers Colm Brophy (FG) and Jim O’Callaghan (FF) ahead of the expiry of the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) contract with the D hotel in Drogheda, this month.

The Labour TD said that for local economic reasons, the government must allow the deal to expire on the agreed date, and that the hotel needs to be restored to full tourism use to help boost Drogheda. 

Deputy Nash said he spoke with Minister for Migration Colm Brophy this week, and has been raising the expiration of the contract with the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, for weeks now, via Parliamentary Questions.

He commented: “The contract is due to fall this month. The last government promised that a two-year deal was a two-year deal. They must not renege on that. The future of tourism in Drogheda, and efforts to promote our town depend on restoring bed capacity in our largest hotel. 

“We will recall that all kinds of promises were made by agents for the hotel owners, when the deal was signed in February 2024, that when this arrangement ended, that they had great plans for the hotel. They need to keep their side of the bargain too and the focus needs to be placed on the promised delivery of high-standard, State-run services. 

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“In the course of my work in the last two years supporting local activists, I have represented individuals and families who have had to make formal complaints to IPAS and the Department in relation to a host of issues relating to this accommodation. 

“I made a formal request to the Department two weeks ago for details of the range and nature of complaints made by residents in the last two years, and I look forward to receiving this information in due course."

Deputy Nash added: “We are still waiting for the State to do the job it should be doing – providing appropriate, human rights informed accommodation and services to those who are seeking international protection in Ireland.

"This is the approach that is needed but there is little evidence of it, despite the promises made. Both for local economic reasons and in the best interests of vulnerable applicants themselves - excessive reliance on hotels needs to end.”