Representatives of the Drogheda business community and elected representatives held separate meetings yesterday with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Ministers Heather Humphreys, and Roderic O’Gorman at Government Buildings to discuss the loss of tourist beds at the DHotel and the damage it will cause to the local economy.
During their meeting, the representatives of Drogheda & District Chamber and Love Drogheda Business Improvement District (BID) conveyed the sentiments of the Drogheda business community regarding the imminent removal of 113 tourist hotel beds at the D Hotel to accommodate International Protection Applicants.
Robert Murray, representing Drogheda & District Chamber, emphasised the importance of finding a suitable arrangement for all stakeholders despite the challenging circumstances.
“Losing a tourism asset, especially the second town centre hotel to lose tourism beds, poses significant challenges. Notwithstanding the stark situation faced by Government, we’re asking for the current proposed arrangement to be reconsidered” he said.
Trevor Connolly of Love Drogheda BID noted, “This is the third Ministerial meeting to be held regarding the potential removal of visitor accommodation at the d Hotel. We have conveyed the economic impact this will have across the tourism, hospitality and retail sector.
“…Based on detailed information provided by the business community we are asking that the department re-evaluate their decision making process and weigh the long lasting consequences this decision will have on the tourism industry and explore alternative options within the county and region that does not involve visitor accommodation”.
Both organisations extended their gratitude to An Taoiseach and the Ministers for their time and willingness to engage in constructive discussions. Alternative solutions are continuing to be explored.
A second, meeting also occurred yesterday with local public representatives, indicating a concerted effort to find solutions to address the concerns raised by the business community.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan said the Councillors were informed that options being examined include dual use of the hotel for guests and those seeking protection, other properties are also being considered and a follow up meeting is to occur in the coming days.
He added that the cross-party group of councillors had “emphasised that the loss of the hotel is extremely serious for the town whilst also understanding the need to help accommodate people.”
In response to a query from Drogheda Life the Department of the Taoiseach said:
“The Taoiseach thanked political representatives for the leadership they have shown locally and for the work they have done to welcome both Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion and those seeking International Protection to date. He recognised the concerns raised and the importance of protecting the work done to develop Drogheda into a destination town both for tourism and business investment.
“It was agreed at the meeting that final clarification would be provided by Minister O’Gorman over the coming days on the possibility of dual use of the hotel, recognising the child protection and practical challenges that exist. Another local hotel is currently being used to accommodate Ukrainians. It was also agreed to provide an update on the future use of that hotel and whether it could be reverted back to tourism use, subject to a commercial decision being made by the owner.
“Clarification will also be provided more generally on the legal position regarding changing accommodation used to house Ukrainians to International Protection use.”
The Government continues to support all communities to manage what has been an unprecedented situation with over 130,000 people seeking refuge here over the past couple of years. A revised accommodation strategy for International Protection applicants will be brought to Government shortly.’
