Despite government reassurances, local opposition has intensified, with residents protesting outside Dundrum House Hotel around the clock. Their actions, captured on TikTok live streams, have garnered widespread support and strong opinions from across Ireland. The presence of Gardaí highlights the growing tension as the community makes it clear they won’t be silenced.

Dundrum, Co. Tipperary – In a small village with a population of just 220, concerns are mounting as plans to house 255 asylum seekers at the Dundrum House Hotel become a reality. Local residents fear that their close-knit community will be overwhelmed, leading to tensions and challenges that have ignited a debate over government policy and the future of rural Ireland.

Historic Dundrum House Hotel at the Centre of Controversy

Dundrum House Hotel, an 18th-century estate, has been a focal point of the village for generations. After a fire in 2015, its operations were reduced to golf facilities, with ownership passing to American businessman Jeffrey Leo. Plans for refurbishment were announced in 2019, sparking hopes for a revitalised tourism hub. However, those plans took a drastic turn when the property was repurposed to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, and it’s now slated to become a permanent asylum centre.

Independent Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has voiced strong opposition to the government’s approach, accusing it of treating local residents with “utter contempt.” McGrath argues that neither the local community nor their representatives were adequately informed about the changes, leaving them in the dark about the future of their beloved village.

Fears of Being “Outnumbered”

The prospect of bringing in a large number of asylum seekers has left many in Dundrum feeling anxious. McGrath warns that the village may become “outnumbered” by people who are “strangers to them” and who, he claims, may not all be genuine refugees fleeing war or persecution. He also criticises the government’s broader immigration policy, which he believes is being imposed on rural Ireland without regard for local traditions or culture.

Residents of Dundrum, who initially welcomed Ukrainian refugees with a “céad míle fáilte,” are now expressing frustration as they face the reality of a permanent asylum centre. Fiona Kennedy, a local resident, has been vocal in her concerns, stating that the village could see the number of asylum seekers swell to 550, far exceeding the community’s capacity.

Broken Promises and Lingering Questions

Many locals feel betrayed by the government, recalling promises that the hotel would be restored and reopened as a tourism destination. They were led to believe that the placement of 277 Ukrainian refugees was a temporary measure, yet recent developments have shattered those expectations.

A government briefing in May revealed that Dundrum House was now considered a “hybrid property,” set to accommodate both asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees under the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection Programme. This announcement has fuelled a 51-day-long protest, as residents demand transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Independent Cllr Liam Browne highlighted what he calls an “admission” by Minister Roderic O’Gorman in the Dáil, confirming that the hotel would not return to public use as a tourism venue but would continue to house asylum seekers. Browne expressed disappointment, arguing that this decision undermines the community’s trust and threatens local tourism.

The Impact on Local Tourism and Economy

The conversion of Dundrum House into an asylum centre has already had a tangible impact on local tourism. Fiona Kennedy lamented the loss of tourists who once flocked to the area, staying at the hotel, playing golf, and exploring nearby attractions like Cashel, Cahir Castle, and the Swiss Cottage. With the hotel now unavailable for holidaymakers, the economic lifeblood of the village is in jeopardy.

Cllr Browne echoed these concerns, pointing out that Dundrum Golf Course was once considered a potential venue for the Irish Open. He questioned whether foreign golfers would still be interested in visiting what he described as “a refugee centre.” The strain on local resources, including healthcare, education, and public services, is another pressing issue for the community.

Community Petition and Ongoing Protests

A petition has been launched to halt the use of the hotel as an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre. The petition cites several concerns, including safety, loss of tourism, strain on resources, and the potential for social tensions arising from the integration of a large group of asylum seekers into a small rural area.

The protesters argue that preserving Dundrum House Hotel is about more than just maintaining a building; it’s about safeguarding the community’s safety, economy, and way of life.

Hotel Owner Defends Decision

Despite the backlash, hotel owner Jeffrey Leo remains optimistic about the future. He acknowledged that there are safety concerns, particularly regarding the walkway into the village, but he believes that the Ukrainian refugees have integrated well into the community, with many securing jobs in the local area.

Leo is also confident that tourism will eventually rebound. His goal is to “go back to basics” by reopening the hotel and continuing to develop the golf course as a destination for tourists from around the world. He has enlisted the expertise of renowned golf designer Jeff Howes to elevate the course to new heights, with hopes of attracting golfers globally.

As Dundrum grapples with these changes, the village’s future remains uncertain. The ongoing debate over the asylum centre reflects broader tensions in Ireland over immigration, rural development, and the preservation of local heritage.

Despite the government’s assurances, local opposition remains fierce. Residents have taken their protest to the streets, standing outside Dundrum House Hotel day and night. This determined stand has been captured on TikTok live streams, where local voices are passionately speaking out against the plans.

Many from across Ireland have joined the livestreams, expressing their solidarity in the comments and sharing their strong opinions on the issue. The presence of Gardaí in the area, visible on these live streams, underscores the tension surrounding the situation. The community’s message is clear: they want to be heard, and they’re not backing down.