One of Drogheda's largest hotels is to be used as accommodation for people seeking international protection.
The D hotel in the centre of the Co Louth town has 113 bedrooms and has capacity to accommodate 500 people.
The news that the hotel would be used for International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation from next month was communicated to elected representatives in the area today.
The briefing, from the Department of Integration, said that all relevant State support services in the area have been informed of the move and are preparing what additional supports will be needed to assist the people who are accommodated in the hotel.
Deputy Mayor of Drogheda Kevin Callan has said that the announcement came without prior consultation with Louth County Council or the elected representatives of the council.
Mr Callan said that converting the towns largest hotel into an accommodation centre for international protection applicants will "decimate the local economy".
He called for the Minister for Integration to intervene to reverse the move "as a matter of urgency".
Mr Callan said that the change, in the heart of a tourism destination, would "devastate business in the town", including restaurants, cafes, the museum and other businesses.
The Department of Integration confirmed that a contract has been signed.
"The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) has responded to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property," a spokesperson said.
"A full assessment of the property has been completed, all requirements are in place and a contract has been signed. It will be brought into use in the near future to provide accommodation for people applying for international protection."
The spokesperson said that the community engagement team is engaging with local representatives, the local authority and the community response forum.
"It has provided them with detailed accurate information about the planned use of the property," the spokesperson said.
"The team has also liaised with all relevant national services to ensure that they have the relevant information they need to inform and respond to service provision locally.
"This includes services for social welfare, health, education, transport, justice, and the HSE, An Garda Síochana, the local integration teams and local development office."
The Department said that Ireland is currently accommodating more than 101,000 people seeking shelter and safety between those fleeing war in Ukraine and International Protection Applicants.
These people are accommodated in more than 200 properties across every county.
"Despite the efforts of the department, there are not enough beds available to accommodate everyone who needs one, particularly for single adult males," the spokesperson said.
"As a result, the department is not able to provide accommodation to all single male international protection applicants. The most vulnerable people are being accommodated, others will be offered accommodation as soon as its available.
"The department is now also experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children. This follows a significant increase in the number of families seeking accommodation.
"In the last two months the need for family accommodation has increased considerably."
