Drogheda & District Chamber and Love Drogheda Business Improvement District (BID) representatives were invited to a meeting yesterday afternoon at Government Buildings with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Minister Humphreys, and Minister O'Gorman. During the meeting, the representatives conveyed the sentiments of the business community in Drogheda regarding the imminent removal of 113 tourist hotel beds at the D Hotel to accommodate International Protection Applicants.
The business community expressed deep concern, and in some cases, anger, regarding the impact of this decision on local businesses ,particularly in the Tourism, Hospitality, and Retail sectors. The removal of these beds not only directly affects these sectors but also has wider socio-economic implications, especially considering the proposed two-year contract duration.
Robert Murray, representing Drogheda & District Chamber, emphasised the importance of finding a suitable arrangement for all stakeholders despite the challenging circumstances. “Losing a tourism asset, especially the second town centre hotel to lose tourism beds, poses significant challenges. Notwithstanding the stark situation faced by Government, we’re asking for the current proposed arrangement to be reconsidered”.
Trevor Connolly, representing Love Drogheda BID noted, “This is the third Ministerial meeting to be held regarding the potential removal of visitor accommodation at the d Hotel. We have conveyed the economic impact this will have across the tourism, hospitality and retail sector. This decision will be taken with the fullness of information provided by the business community to the Department of Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth on future impacts on skilled labour provision for the hospitality sector, the impact and ability to host and attract festivals of scale. Based on detailed information provided by the business community we are asking that the department re-evaluate their decision making process and weigh the long lasting consequences this decision will have on the tourism industry and explore alternative options within the county and region that does not involve visitor accommodation”.
The Chamber and BIDS reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve the economic landscape for businesses in Drogheda. The decision to remove the hotel beds has the potential to undermine the progress made through joint efforts with government agencies, local authorities, and the Drogheda Implementation Board.
Both organisations extended their gratitude to An Taoiseach and the Ministers for their time and willingness to engage in constructive discussions. Alternative solutions are continuing to be explored.
A second, separate meeting also occurred yesterday with local public representatives, indicating a concerted effort to find solutions to address the concerns raised by the business community.
For further inquiries, please contact: trevor@lovedrogheda.ie
