The Group in Dundrum, county Tipperary, protesting at the gates of Dundrum House Hotel are to maintain their protest for the foreseeable future. The protest began in late May of this year when the local community became aware of Government plans to use the accommodation at the Hotel Complex for both Ukrainian Refugees and Asylum seekers. In August approximately 70 asylum seekers, women and children, were transferred from Dublin to the facility. The protestors have maintained a 24 hour presence at the gates since May.
As of now the group have not found a legal avenue to prevent the creation of an IPAS centre at Dundrum House – a campaign to lobby politicians including local councillors is to continue and the group also intend to share publicly their concerns about fire safety. Two representatives met with the Taoiseach Simon Harris last month when he visited Clonmel and the group also intend to follow up on this meeting. The group want the facility to be renovated and used as an economic driver in West Tipperary supporting tourism and social activities such as weddings and events. The current owner had secured planning permission for extensive redevelopment including the construction of a distillery on site. This permission has now lapsed.
