The Mayor of Drogheda and elected members of Drogheda Borough District have called on the Minister for Justice not to renew the current contract for the D Hotel to continue operating as an IPAS dispersal accommodation centre.
The members say the arrangement is causing significant economic disadvantage for the town at a time when Drogheda is already facing a range of economic and social challenges. Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Michelle Hall, has written on behalf of the elected representatives to Minister O’Callaghan and has requested a meeting to discuss the matter further.
Drogheda is the largest town in the country and has long been recognised as an important economic driver for the wider region. However, local representatives say the continued removal of a key hospitality and conference venue from the local economy is having a disproportionate impact on tourism, local businesses, employment and the town’s ability to attract investment.
Mayor Hall said: “Drogheda is a town with enormous potential, but it is also a town that has faced sustained economic and social pressures. The continued use of the D Hotel as an IPAS centre removes a vital asset from our local economy and places an additional burden on a community that is already struggling to compete and regenerate.”
Elected members emphasised that their position is not directed at those seeking international protection, but rather at the policy decision to use long term dispersal accommodation in a way they believe undermines local economic recovery.
“We fully acknowledge the State’s responsibility to provide humane and appropriate accommodation for people seeking refuge,” Mayor, Cllr Michelle Hall continued. “However, this must be done in a way that is fair, balanced, and does not further disadvantage towns like Drogheda that are working hard to revitalise their economy, support local enterprise, and create jobs.”
The members noted that the D Hotel has historically played a key role in hosting conferences, community events and tourism activity, while also supporting surrounding businesses in the town centre. They say its continued absence from the commercial market represents a lost opportunity at an important time for Drogheda’s development.
Councillors are now urging the Minister for Justice to engage directly with local representatives and stakeholders, recognise Drogheda’s specific circumstances and ensure that future IPAS accommodation decisions take account of local economic impact and community capacity.
“We are asking for fairness and for Drogheda’s voice to be heard,” Mayor Hall concluded. “Non-renewal of this contract would be a meaningful step towards supporting the town’s recovery and long-term prosperity.”
