Two members, representing the Dundrum Group protesting the creation of an IPAS Accommodation centre at Dundrum House Hotel complex, met with the Taoiseach Simon Harris in Clonmel on Friday August 30th. The representatives from Dundrum Nora O’Dwyer and Andrea Crowe presented a letter to the Taoiseach setting out their concerns and requests. The Taoiseach clarified that as of last week no contract has been signed between the Department and the owners of Dundrum House Hotel to create an accommodation centre for asylum seekers.
The letter presented outlines a range of concerns such as planning compliance, insurance, fire safety, food service and medical support. The group also highlight that Freedom of Information requests from the protest group remain unanswered and that asylum seekers are now accommodated in Dundrum without a formal contract being in place for such a service. In addition, the letter notes a lack of consultation and assessment of the impact on local service needs by having an IPAS centre in Dundrum.
The letter asks that the Government reconsiders the use of Dundrum and explore other alternatives that would be better for the residents and the local community.
The protest at the gates of Dundrum House Hotel has been ongoing since late May.
