Minister meets local councillors over use of Drogheda hotel to accommodate asylum seekers

'Dual use' of the D Hotel in Drogheda is being examined but no promises can be made at this point, Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman told councillors on Thursday evening. Picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

“Dual use” of the D Hotel in Drogheda is being examined but no promises can be made at this point, Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman told councillors on Thursday evening.

The hotel, located in the centre of the Louth town, is set to begin accommodating international protection applicants in the coming weeks, with concerns having been flagged by local representatives in recent days.

Mr O’Gorman met with local councillors over the plan, with those in attendance expressing their concerns at the plans.

“This meeting was an initial discussion where we have flagged the anger of the people of the town as to the manner that this decision was handled and the impact on our town of losing this hotel as a tourist asset and a part of our local economy,” a statement on behalf of Drogheda councillors read.

“The issue of dual usage of the hotel as a centre and a hotel was discussed and is currently under consideration and discussions are underway as to possible solutions that could assist.

“We have made it clear to the Minister that the approach in Drogheda has not worked, is not acceptable and should not be repeated at other locations across the country."

In the last week, there has been considerable disquiet in Drogheda about the upcoming loss of the main tourist accommodation, particularly focused on the economic impact.

The hotel itself is set to host up to 500 people, with a two-year contract having been signed for its use as an international protection centre.

Speaking after the meeting, local councillor Kevin Callan said that representatives made it clear to Mr O’Gorman that locals in the area are “extremely angry”.

He said that the lack of consultation before the contract was signed between the D Hotel and the Department of Integration was “insulting” and that there needed to be a change of approach from the Government on this.

Mr Callan said that while he understood changes couldn’t be made overnight, Mr O’Gorman needed to outline proposals for the town when he meets with councillors again next week.

However, he said that Mr O'Gorman could not confirm "dual use" for tourists and asylum seekers in the hotel yet.

Labour councillor Michelle Hall said that the meeting outlined that concerns raised about the hotel were not about the incoming international protection applicants, but that it was about “putting Drogheda back on its feet” following the drug feud in the town.

It is understood that Mr O’Gorman has spoken with Justice Minister Helen McEntee about further garda resources for the town, and with Tourism Minister Catherine Martin for extra grant funding for local tourism.