The decision by the government to renew the D Hotel contract is a “massive kick in the teeth for Drogheda’s economy”, local Labour TD Ged Nash has said.
He said: “This is confirmation, if any was needed, that the economy of Drogheda matters little to Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.
“We were told by the then government and the hotel owners that the contract, signed two years ago, was for two years only.
“Now, the defence appears to be that the extension is only for one further year. How can we take their word for it, and why should we?
“This contract should not have been extended by one day, let alone one year.
“Ministers Jim O’Callaghan of FF and Minister Colm Brophy of FG decided to plough on, regardless of the case made by me and others. They ignored the detailed economic arguments made by me and others, and the local business community.
“Leaving aside the economic arguments, a hotel room is no place to accommodate individuals, especially families with children, who are displaced and traumatised, who are seeking a safe and secure life in our country.
“I have time and again represented those who at some point or another over the last two years have come to me with valid complaints about their treatment in the facility.
“The Department has records of this, yet they still renewed.
“The people of Drogheda have time and again showed ourselves to be a people that shows solidarity to those who have less then we have. We will continue to be that version of ourselves.
“It is shameful that under FF and FG we are no closer to the provision of appropriate State provided facilities and supports for vulnerable people than we were when this initial contract was signed.”
