Anger as west Wicklow hotel earmarked for asylum seekers when Ukrainians leave

Irish Independent

14-05-2025

The news was relayed to Wicklow TD John Brady, who has called for a halt to plans for an IPAS centre at the site. He said that he understands the hotel has been offered to provide accommodation to asylum seekers under a lease agreement of up to two years.
Reacting, he said: 'Any decision to use the Avon hotel in Blessington as IPAS centre when it ceases to be used for Ukrainians is deeply concerning and any decision must be reversed as a matter of urgency.
'I have been informed that due to the reduced demand to provide accommodation to Ukrainians and that the owners have expressed an interest in providing ongoing services to IPAS.'
'The Avon is the only hotel in Blessington and is a vital piece of local tourism infrastructure, supporting jobs, local businesses, and the wider economy across west Wicklow.
'The loss of The Avon to the tourism industry in 2023 has had a huge negative impact on the already fragile tourism sector in west Wicklow, which has also been hit by the loss of Germaine's Hotel in Baltinglass, now also being used to provide accommodation services. This is a double blow to the region, stripping it of two key tourism facilities and further eroding the capacity to attract visitors, events, and investment.'
He added: 'Only last month, the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan gave a clear commitment that hotels currently housing Ukrainian refugees would return to tourism use once vacated. This decision now flies in the face of that commitment, leaving the government's word in tatters.
'This decision has been made without any consultation, local engagement, or consideration for the long-term economic damage it will cause. It is yet another example of a government completely out of touch with communities on the ground."
Deputy Brady had warned last week that from his new position as chair of the Public Accounts Committee he intended to investigate what he called 'spiralling costs' of IPAS centres. He reiterated this in light of The Avon news and added that he has objected directly to the Department of Justice, urging members of the public to follow suit.
'I have raised my strong objections directly with the Department of Justice and written to the Minister to demand this decision be reversed immediately,' he said. 'The lease agreement must be scrapped, and The Avon must be returned to its proper and much-needed role as a tourism facility serving Blessington and the wider region.
"I urge members of the public to contact Wicklow TD and Tánaiste Simon Harris and Fianna Fáil Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan demanding that any idea of entering a contract to use the Avon for IPAS be immediately scrapped.'