Hotel in Mayo earmarked to house 120 asylum seekers issues statement outlining intention to remain open

Management of the Twin Towns Hotel in Ballina have responded after protests were held outside the hotel over plans to house asylum seekers.

The protests come following plans that Ballina’s Twin Trees Hotel on Downhill Road, is set to welcome up to 120 International Protection Applicants from family units in 33 of its bedroom.

On Friday night, hundreds of people turned out for a peaceful protest while a similar demonstration was also held on Sunday.

Further gatherings are expected to be held in the coming days.

In statement posted on the hotel and leisure centre’s Facebook page, management has moved to allay some of the local people’s concerns and confirmed that the Twin Trees Hotel and Leisure Club is not closing and will continue to operate normally.

The management has confirmed that all memberships are valid, and individual accommodation and food bookings are secure while the hotel will continue to welcome tourists and regular guests.

“We will continue to take regular guests in over 50% of our bedrooms.

“Last week, the hotel offered 33 of our bedrooms to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to accommodate families seeking international protection.

“The offer was made to accommodate 120 people in family units.

“It is expected that families will not arrive for a number of weeks.

“An update of the offer was provided to the local authority via a briefing note on April 11, 2024 from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

“The remaining 35 bedrooms will stay open for booking by the public/tourists.

“In recent years, pre and post-pandemic, the hotel’s occupancy figures indicate that, on average, 26 rooms are used by the tourism market.

“The 35 rooms which will remain open to the tourism market represent 30% more than the demand in recent years.

“The hotel has begun investing in an extensive refurbishment involving upgrades to all guest and member facilities, and a new summer menu will be launching soon.

“Our plan is to elevate the hotel to a lifestyle leisure resort for the area, bringing a new premium standard of hospitality for the North Mayo region.

“The hotel respects the rights of protesters but kindly asks that guests and staff be respected and that members’ ability to use our leisure club and facilities not be blocked.”

On Friday night last, a gathering was attended by local councillors and representatives, along with local residents who voiced their concerns about the use of the hotel.

Minister of State Dara Calleary TD attended the peaceful protest and in a social media post, he said he has been liaising with the Department of Integration over the plans.

“There is huge concern in Ballina around the proposals made to IPAS regarding the accommodation of International Protection Applicants at the Twin Trees Hotel.

“I share those concerns.

“I have spoken on several occasions this week, directly with the Minister in charge of the Department of Integration, Minister Roderic O’Gorman, in relation to the issue and I have outlined the many concerns expressed to me by the people of the town, and the factors in respect of the unsuitability of this proposal.

“I absolutely appreciate and understand people’s genuine concerns about this and I am continuing to work on this matter,” said Deputy Calleary.

Organisers of Friday’s gathering published a poster which explained that the discussions will centre around resident opinions, safety concerns and suitability of the location given the town’s current educational and medical resources are at peak capacity.

The government policy on immigration and the impact of the proposal on the town’s tourism industry would also be discussed.

Local residents at the gatherings voiced their concerns over the lack of services available in the area such as healthcare, education and childcare, while others voiced their concerns about the lack of housing available in the town.

Others said they were concerned about the impact on the tourism industry with the reduction of hotel rooms available in the town.

Local Councillor Annie May Reape also attended the gathering and in a social media post, she said the Twin Trees Hotel is not suitable for International Protection Applicants.

“Ballina is not able to accommodate anymore – we have done as much as we can.

“I will continue to work with colleagues in the Municipal Area and Dara Calleary TD in making the Department aware that this proposal is not viable short or long term,” said Cllr Reape.

An Garda Síochána attended both public gatherings in Ballina.

A spokesperson said, “Gardaí attended both public gatherings in Ballina for the sole purpose of keeping people safe.

“The decision on location of accommodation centres and persons seeking International Protection allocated to those centres is a matter for the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS).

“An Garda Síochána continues to reiterate to the public that if they have concerns or have information on any specific crime or incident that they should contact their local Community Gardaí.”

A spokesperson for The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed that the Department has agreed to use the Twin Trees Hotel, Downhill Road, Ballina, County Mayo.

“It has capacity for 120 people and will accommodate families seeking international protection.”

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