I propose to take Questions Nos. 186, 187, 188, 190, 191, 192 and 193 together.
The accommodation centre at Dundrum House, Co Tipperary, has been providing accommodation under contract to the Department since 2022, for people fleeing the war in Ukraine and people applying for international protection.
I am advised that Dundrum House Hotel ceased operating as a hotel a decade ago, in 2015. The golf course and other businesses remained in operation over recent years during the use of the site for State accommodation. I understand that they have closed quite recently in connection with a commercial dispute to which my Department is not a party.
Some areas of this property have been contracted to provide State-supported accommodation for people from Ukraine since 2022 and to international protection applicants since 2024.
In relation to the most recent contract with the Department, while detailed contractual information is considered confidential and commercially sensitive, a lot of information has been shared with local elected representatives and stakeholders in relation to this process.
The contract was agreed in April 2025, following a detailed appraisal and due diligence process. This includes checks on the provider, and a review of the compliance with building and other regulatory matters overseen by the Local Authority. All matters relating to fire, building or planning regulations at an IPAS accommodation centre are between the Local Authority and the property owner or provider.
As part of all appraisals, the Department requires confirmation, issued by the Local Authority, that the property's use as international protection accommodation is covered by the conditions of the Planning and Development Act and relevant exemptions for this purpose.
Confirmation of this planning exemption was provided to this Department as part of its appraisal for this accommodation contract.
Tipperary County Council have acknowledged within court proceedings over recent months that the granting of a planning exemption to the property in January 2025 had an administrative flaw in the process. On 17 November 2025 the Court made final orders in this matter.
The accommodation provider at Dundrum House has made a new application to the local authority for confirmation of the planning exemption and this is currently with An Coimisiún Pleanála for review.
The Department is now actively reviewing the implication of these matters in the context of the existing contract, and the nearly 200 people and families who are accommodated at Dundrum House at this time.
I will ensure that the Deputy and all other local elected representatives are kept informed of any updates or developments in this matter.
