Drogheda hotel and asylum seekers

A chara, – The news that the largest hotel in Drogheda, Co Louth, is to be converted into a centre for 500 asylum seekers has caused a mixed reaction in the town (“Drogheda hotel to be converted into centre for asylum seekers”, News, February 15th).

The D Hotel, as the main hotel in the town boasting 111 bedrooms, has played a key role as an economic driver for tourism and business in the Boyneside, attracting many visitors, tourists and business people over the years. The D Hotel was instrumental in winning the very successful bid to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2018 and 2019, for example, and has been playing a major role in a newly revised tourism drive by the county council to attract more visitors to the town and the Boyne Valley.

On the other hand, the hotel really suffered during Covid-19 and had been in a precarious financial position for some time. It was sold last year and for its new owners it makes financial sense to house 500 international protection applicants from March 5th next. The location of the hotel is ideal for migrants, centrally situated near shops, schools, buses and trains, social welfare offices, and other support agencies. Employment opportunities in Drogheda, however, are few and far between.

From an economic point of view the loss of Drogheda’s main hotel as a tourist venue is a major blow to the town. From a humanitarian point of view, it is a good location for migrants who wish to access services. Those are the choices society has to make. – Is mise,