Cork hotel responds to 'reckless' comments by Fianna Fáil TD in Dáil

The largest hotel in Youghal - the Walter Raleigh Hotel overlooking Green Park in Youghal. Picture: Howard Crowdy

The owners of a hotel in Youghal have criticised a local TD for comments made in the Dáil which they described as "unacceptable and reckless".

Speaking during a Dáil debate, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork East James O'Connor said that his local community had welcomed almost 1,000 Ukrainian refugees and spoke of the strain he believes it has put on services and supports in the Youghal area.

He said that two of the town's hotels have been "lost", one of them "permanently", as they are being used to house those fleeing from the war in Ukraine.

Mr O'Connor then said: "There is a concern locally that the last remaining hotel, the Walter Raleigh, may be sold for purposes other than tourism."

The owners of the Walter Raleigh Hotel have since responded to the statement, saying that the hotel has not and is not seeking to house Ukrainians.

Nick and Grace Ryan, who have owned the hotel for the past 12 years, called the TD's comments "totally unacceptable and reckless".

They expressed their wish for Mr O'Connor to retract his "totally incorrect" comments.

"Mr O'Connor would be best served supporting our business instead of spreading rumours that have the potential to damage what little business there is available to us at this time of year in Youghal," the Ryans said.

"I would suggest that Mr O'Connor should make contact with the hotel should he have any queries, before listening to and spreading idle gossip," they said in a statement posted on social media.

"We have a lot of sympathy and support for Ukraine and have helped locally by offering employment to many Ukrainians over the last two years."

They said that as the largest hotel in Youghal they have sought to serve the area and the people to the best of their abilities.