Lake House Hotel to house families seeking international protection once Ukrainians leave

Cork North-West TD Michael Creed said from February 20, the building will house asylum seekers. Picture: Damien Storan

A former hotel in West Cork will house a number of families seeking international protection after Ukrainian refugees are relocated from the premises.

Local politicians were informed of the decision to use the Lake House Hotel in Inchigeelagh as a temporary accommodation centre.

The property was already being used to house Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion. It has now emerged that the Ukrainians living there have been asked to relocate “for a number of reasons”.

Cork North-West TD Michael Creed said from February 20, the building will house asylum seekers.

“I have been informed by the Department of Integration that from February 20, the former Lake House Hotel in Inchigeelagh will be home to a number of families with schoolgoing children. 

"These will be international protection applicants, people who are fleeing war or political unrest in their homelands,” Mr Creed said.

“I sought clarification on this from the Department following queries from constituents in the area, who raised some concerns with me.

“The former hotel is currently in use as an accommodation centre for Ukrainians. Many of these have asked to be relocated for a variety of reasons, and this process is under way. From next week, 35 beds will be provided there for newly-arrived International Protection Applicants.” 

Minister Roderic O’Gorman informed him that the new residents will be families with schoolgoing children, and that "the number involved is appropriate for a village of Inchigeelagh’s size," Mr Creed said.

The contract with the centre has been signed for two years.

Ireland is currently providing 27,255 people seeking International Protection with state sourced accommodation and support services.

In addition, since February 2022, the country is also providing accommodation to 75,244 people who have fled the war in Ukraine.

This latest announcement comes after the former Mayor of Drogheda Kevin Callan claimed the town was “in shock” after it emerged that the D Hotel was closing to house 500 asylum seekers.

The hotel which is located beside the Boyne River, is the largest in Drogheda and Mr Callan said the move would damage the tourist sector.

“We have appointed a Boyne Valley tourist office, we have worked with CIE coach tours, and all of these things depend on a big hotel in the town — that is our largest hotel," he said.