State spending on international protection hits cumulative total of €3bn since 2015

Cape Wrath, the previous owner of the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, Co Dublin, is the single biggest recipient of State funds for international protection accommodation, taking in €289m since 2015. File picture: Citywest Group

Cumulative State spending on international protection has hit €3bn for the first time since tracking began 11 years ago, with spending increasingly concentrated among a small subset of suppliers.

New quarterly figures show the Department of Justice is spending less on international protection, as 

support for Ukrainian refugees is reeled in, with spending dropping to €126.7m per quarter compared to a 2024 peak of €163.6m.

In the first three quarters of this year, 30 suppliers accounted for 41.5% of the State’s spending, compared to a 29.6% share in 2023. The concentration has gradually risen since 2023.

The figures were collated by public spending tracker StateSpend.ie, a platform founded by Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan and former Government adviser Matthew Fenlon.

Former Citywest owner earned €289m

Since the beginning of 2015, Cape Wrath Hotel Unlimited has been the largest earner from State contracts, earning more than €289m.

Cape Wrath previously owned the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, which was used as a major hub for international protection applicants. The hotel was subsequently purchased by the State for €148m in August 2025 as a permanent international protection centre. 

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said the deal would save taxpayers €1.25bn over the next 25 years.

Some of the most prolific earners from State contracts come from the multiple subsidiaries of former Monaghan GAA manager Seamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney, such as Brimwood Ltd (€136.3m) and JMA Ventures (€49.3m).

Other large earners include Meath refugee centre owner Mosney (€213.3m), Travelodge (€170.7m), Bridgestock Care Ltd (€164.3m) and Guestford (€147.9m).

'Profiteering' from IPAS accommodation 

Sinn Féin justice spokesperson Matt Carthy has previously accused private companies of “profiteering” from the practice.

John Lannon, CEO of migrant rights advocacy group Doras, said that the State’s current framework for international protection applicants has benefitted private companies while leaving some refugees in substandard conditions.

“There has been an ongoing lack of transparency around Government spending on private operators, and despite the huge amounts of money being spent, the quality of accommodation contracted by IPAS has, in many cases, not been at an acceptable standard,” Mr Lannon told the Irish Examiner.

“This has been borne out by our own research conducted in 2025, as well as Hiqa reports.”

A March 2026 study, which was led by the Irish Centre for Human Rights in Galway and commissioned by Doras, found select cases of overcrowding in emergency accommodation and a lack of oversight among a survey of 246 residents in international protection accommodation.

“From the very beginning, the provision of accommodation for Ukrainians has lacked proper planning," Mr Lannon said.

"The same is true for IPAS accommodation. And when it comes to the interests of those involved, the needs and rights of the people most affected are given the least attention."