Taoiseach supports ‘dual use’ proposal from Ged Nash
By Andy Spearman
A full week after he dropped the bombshell news that his department is to take over the D Hotel in its entirety for two years to house asylum seekers, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman has finally entered into consultations with local representatives and business leaders.
The burning question now is whether or not the contract signed with the owners of the hotel, Fairkeep Ltd., can be changed so that it can operate as a ‘dual use’ hotel as suggested by Deputy Ged Nash last week and endorsed yesterday by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Last night Drogheda business leaders in the form of Chamber President Hubert Murphy and Drogheda BIDS CEO, Trevor Connolly, had a one hour long meeting with the minister and his officials at Leinster House and later today he is to hold a zoom meeting with Councillors.
Chamber President Hubert Murphy described last night’s meeting as a “… very frank, fair and constructive discussion and there is certainly something to work on.”
Concerns were raised about the impact on tourism and future funding streams, while the BIDS chief suggested “that it was a constructive meeting that gave an opportunity to air economic concerns from the business community on the impact on the tourism and retail sector”.
Mr. Connolly spoke of “the potential need of a new incentive scheme for hotel owners to return their buildings to public use as soon as long term government granted accommodation deals run out.
He asked for a retail and economic assessment and more clarity on the decision making process, especially when a key element of the town’s bedroom requirement disappeared without warning.”
Hubert Murphy urged that business leaders – through Chambers Ireland and BIDs organisations – be contacted for guidance when nationwide decisions are being considered.
In response the minister said that a ‘dual use’ compromise in relation to the d Hotel was to be considered, but the department was looking at the challenges that brings. A commitment of some clarity on this is expected within the next few weeks.
After a request, it was agreed the department officials would meet with the Drogheda Implementation Board to get a wider view on the needs of the town and its citizens.
Meanwhile Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told the Dail yesterday that he supports a proposal first made last week by local Labour TD Ged Nash that the D Hotel could operate as a ‘dual use’ hotel.
This would involve rooms and beds focused on tourist use while part of the hotel would be used for the purpose set out in the contract agreed with the new owners of the town centre facility and the Department of Integration.
Deputy Nash said; “I am not a member of government. I had no function in this decision being made. I could have easily taken the view that this is the government’s problem.
“However, as a responsible opposition TD who is proud of, and who loves our town, I have a responsibility to put forward practical solutions to mitigate the economic fallout of this decision and to work with colleagues.
“The real issue here is the genuine concern all locals have about the loss of 56% of our tourism beds.
“To address, this I proposed last week that the hotel could be operated on the basis of dual use – partly for tourism, partly for the accommodation required to house families going through the international protection application process.
“This proposal was initially given a lukewarm reception by the Integration Minister but now he and the Taoiseach have come around to my view. In response to my questioning in the Dail today Leo Varadkar has accepted my proposal. He has confirmed to me that work is being done on it.
“He accepts there are no child protection issues. Ukrainian families live side by side with tourists in other hotels in Louth. This can be managed. Why should the D Hotel be any different?
“It is now up to the Taoiseach and Minister O’Gorman to deliver and turn their words into practical actions and their genuine engagement is welcome.”
Deputy Nash continued; “Where a potential shortfall in beds for international protection applicants arises if my dual purpose proposal succeeds, government needs to invest public money in turning around vacant buildings that could, in time, be put to wider social, economic and cultural use.
“This would be a more cost effective and sustainable way to use public money rather than provide lucrative State contracts to hotels that are proven to be profitable when they are operating within the hospitality sector.
“The D Hotel decision is a consequence of the government’s failure to provide high-standard, human rights informed accommodation run by the State on State-owned land.
“The system has been in effect privatised. This policy serves neither those who need our country’s protection or our local economies well.
“300 showed up to an extremist demonstration in Drogheda last Saturday. Many were disgusted at the disgraceful hate-filled rhetoric they witnessed. Drogheda rejects hate. This does not represent our town and our values.
“As I said in the Dail, 41,000 Droghedeans were not there. That needs to be understood. This government owes it to them to deliver practical solutions to retain tourism beds while we continue to fulfil our responsibilities too to families who are international protection applicants.
“Drogheda is a proud town noted for its sense of social solidarity, our tolerance and our welcoming nature. Our values are strong and inclusive. This cannot be allowed to change.
“Ireland and Drogheda has a legal, moral and ethical obligation to welcome and accommodate applicants for international protection and refugees. We will continue to do so.”
