The Government has signed a two year contract to use Dundrum House Hotel complex as an IPAS Accommodation Centre. Public Representatives in Tipperary were notified of the decision by email this afternoon by the Community Engagement Team in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Although the issue of Migration is to be moved to the Department of Justice the Government has not yet effected the transfer of responsibility.
Dundrum House Hotel Complex has been accommodating a mix of both Ukrainian Refugees(since 2022) and Asylum seekers (since August 2024) – however no contract was in place for IPAS residents. The briefing document circulated today confirms a capacity of 277 persons in 114 rooms. The document also states that “The accommodation will be for families of people seeking international protection.”
The document also states that “The property is operated by Utmasta Limited who have a 20-year lease on the site and will be operating the site with at least two members of staff on-site 24 hours a day and there will be a manager and / or security staff on site at all times.” This company’s registered office is in Sandyford Business Park, Dublin 18.
Two community groups are actively opposing the creation of an IPAS Accommodation centre in the hotel complex by means of a protest at the gate and legal action in the High Court. Separately, investors based in the US are engaged in a legal action in the High Court regarding the “beneficial ownership” of the property.
The Department communication says it is in the process of alerting all state support services in the area so that they can prepare what additional supports will be needed to assist people settle into the local community. This includes the Departments of Health, Education, Justice, Transport, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, the Local Government Management Agency, the Local Authority integration teams and local development office in South Tipperary.
