Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Of all of what he read out, only two paragraphs answered some of the questions I asked. I appreciate it is not his Department. He mentioned if the contract is agreed and that they are working with the provider. The provider said a few months ago that he would not use it for international protection and then he was found out. The new owners were found out to be misleading. Everyone in the town knows this is happening. Everyone in the town can see workers going in, changing windows, putting in carpets and putting in curtains. That is all happening because of engagement with the Department as to what needs to be changed.

I asked how many people would be staying there. Everyone knows there are 26 rooms. In other places around the country, it is four per room because they are families. That means we should know and should be able to tell the public that 100 people will be coming into that hotel. The real problem we have is that the impact of this is huge. It is on Parnell Street, the main street. It is the only hotel in the town centre of Clonmel. We have had this before with Roscrea. Removing the only hotel has a huge impact. It is closing a late bar and nightclub, O'Keeffe's, which is right beside it and which has to be closed because families are being put in there. It has an impact on every single business on Parnell Street. It is the busiest street from the point of view of hospitality, restaurants and pubs. The people of Clonmel are greatly concerned that there is no communication.