IPAS contract will not be renewed for Dundrum House

Fine Gael TD for Tipperary South, Deputy Michael Murphy, has welcomed confirmation that the Department does not intend to renew the IPAS accommodation contract at Dundrum House when it expires in March 2027, describing the decision as a hugely significant development for Dundrum and the wider community.

Deputy Murphy, who has consistently raised concerns regarding planning and compliance issues at the property, said the focus must now also turn towards securing a positive long-term future for the historic hotel and resort.

Deputy Murphy said: “This is a hugely significant development for Dundrum and one which I very much welcome.

“I have been outspoken on this issue for a considerable period of time and have consistently raised serious concerns regarding planning, compliance and the suitability of the Dundrum House site.

“Those concerns could not simply be dismissed or ignored, particularly following the significant decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála in relation to the planning status of the development.

“Following that decision, I made my position very clear. I did not believe it was appropriate for the State to simply continue with business as usual at Dundrum House, and I called for the IPAS contract to be brought to an end.

“I therefore welcome confirmation that the Department does not intend to renew the contract when it expires in March 2027.

“I particularly want to acknowledge the local community in Dundrum and the surrounding area. They have put up with an enormous amount of uncertainty over a prolonged period and deserve considerable credit for the manner in which they have continued to raise legitimate concerns.

“They attended meetings, engaged with public representatives and pursued their concerns through the appropriate channels. There were times when people locally genuinely felt they were not being listened to, but they persisted. I know from speaking with many of them just how difficult and frustrating this period has been.

“There is also an important principle involved here. The State cannot expect one set of planning rules to apply to ordinary families and businesses and another set to apply to itself. Planning law has to mean something and it has to apply equally.

“At the same time, there are people currently living at Dundrum House who will be directly affected by this decision. They must be treated with dignity and respect, and the relocation process over the coming months must be managed properly and sensitively. My criticism throughout has been directed at the decisions of the State and the planning and compliance issues surrounding the property, not at the people accommodated there.

“Now, however, we also need to look forward.

“Dundrum House has a long and proud history as a hotel and resort and, for generations, has been an important part of the economic and social fabric of this community. Many local families have memories of weddings, functions, employment and occasions celebrated there.

“It remains a significant property with enormous potential. I would dearly like to see a future for Dundrum House which once again allows it to contribute positively to tourism, employment and economic activity in West Tipperary.

“That will not happen overnight and there will undoubtedly be issues that have to be addressed. But this is an opportunity for everybody to work together — the receiver, the local community, Tipperary County Council, Government agencies and public representatives — to explore what can realistically be achieved for the site.

“After a very difficult chapter, I believe the emphasis should now be on bringing people together and looking positively towards the future.

“Dundrum House has been an important part of this community before. I believe it has the potential to be an important part of its future as well.

“I will be very happy to play my part in bringing the relevant people around the table and working constructively towards that objective, concluded Deputy Murphy”