Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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1667. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his view of the insolvency of a business (details supplied); the provisional liquidation of companies connected to its ownership; the High Court proceedings concerning the validity of the Section 5 planning declaration; ongoing enforcement action for alleged unauthorised development at the site; if he will now review and initiate the winding down of the contract for use of the complex as an international protection accommodation centre; and his views on the concerns I have previously raised regarding the lack of due diligence and transparency in the awarding and management of this contract in the first place. [46496/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The accommodation centre at Dundrum House Hotel, Co Tipperary, has been providing accommodation since 2022 for a peak capacity of over 270 people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Since the numbers of Ukraine residents reduced over the last year or more, the property has also been accommodating just over 50 international protection applicants for the past nine months.

I understand that Dundrum House Hotel ceased operation as a hotel a decade ago, in 2015, and has provided State-supported accommodation under contract for people from Ukraine since 2022 and to international protection applicants since 2024.

The Department commenced a new contract earlier this year at this property, following a detailed appraisal and due diligence process, and the centre continues to provide vital accommodation to families seeking international protection in Ireland.

Part of the detailed appraisal process for a new contract includes review of the property’s services and compliance, in conjunction with the Local Authority where relevant. This includes confirmation through the Local Authority of planning matters, fire certification and other relevant issues.

In all instances where the Department enters into a contract with an accommodation provider, the onus is on the provider to ensure all activities at the property are within legal limits, including health and safety, and confirming the property has the correct and up to date fire, planning and building compliance in place.

Any ongoing matters relating to fire, building or planning regulations remain between the Local Authority and a provider, and the Department liaises with the Local Authority and ensures compliance with any relevant enforcement matters that may arise at an accommodation centre.

I am aware of ongoing court proceedings, to which neither I nor my Department is a party, in relation to this property, in relation to planning matters, and also a commercial dispute relating to the wider site.

While these matters are before the courts, the Deputy will understand that it isn’t appropriate for me to comment.

However, I can assure the Deputy that should any action be required as a result of any court proceedings, or the Local Authority’s engagement at the property, these will be addressed by my officials as appropriate.

My Department is working hard toward developing a more stable and sustainable accommodation system in this sector. These include the use of State-owned land and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties, enabling the state to reduce reliance on commercial providers.