New hotel owners dismiss plans for IPAS centre in Meath
Owner Richard McDermott issued a statement confirming there were no such plans for an IPAS centre in the 156-room hotel.
"I wish to confirm that The Pillo Hotel was recently purchased by the McDermott Group.'
'I also wish to clarify that The Pillo Hotel is not housing any International Protection Applicants nor does it have any plans whatsoever to do so in the future,' Mr McDermott said.
'We remain fully committed to operating as a 4 star Hotel in all markets and contrary to recent social media speculation, we will not be accepting IPAS now or in the future.'
'The recent speculation on the hotel and the false and misleading rumours regarding same have been and furthermore can be very harmful to our business and very disruptive and unsettling to all of our 150+ staff.'
'We wish to clarify and hereby commit to the following... There are massive and exciting plans ahead to invest in the property. We have already engaged the relevant specialists to assist us refurbish all of our bedrooms, expand our leisure club gym space including replacing all gym equipment and enhance our bar and restaurant.'
'As the new owners of The Pillo Hotel we would like to ensure both the local and national communities of our intent to deliver and improve the present and successful offering at The Pillo Hotel.'
The statement added: 'We look forward to building and producing continued success and greatly appreciate the support of all of our guests and patrons."
In correspondence to elected members, Meath County Council confirmed it had received no approach from the Department of Justice on the matter.
'Regarding the purchase of the Pillo Hotel and the potential conversion into an IPAS centre. It is important to clarify that this is a matter for the property owner and the Department of Justice, Meath County Council's position is not to comment on speculation or on commercial transactions or decisions made by the Department of Justice,' the local authority said.
'We can however confirm that Meath Council Council has not received any correspondence from the Department in relation to the Pillo Hotel being used for IPAS accommodation.'
Ashbourne councillor Helen Meyer said: 'This is positive news. The hotel is vital and integral to our town and the surrounding areas.'
'I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be cautious about the sources of their news. There are people online who spread misinformation deliberately and without facing any consequences. Such unverified information can have a damaging impact on our community,' she added.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
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