IPAS And Ukrainian Accommodation "Exit Strategy" Sought For Clare

Clare FM

An "exit strategy" is being sought for County Clare with regard to the use of tourist accommodation for Ukrainian refugees and International Protection Applicants. This week's meeting of Clare County Council has heard several councillors request a "clear plan and timeline" for the return of tourist beds to the tourism market, as well a "recovery and investment plan" for areas where businesses have suffered due to beds being taken out of the market. Tabled by Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy, Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney, Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty and Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe, the motion was framed as critical for the survival of Clare's tourism economy. The four councillors had two main asks, one of which was that Integration Minister Roderick O'Gorman instruct his department and IPAS to "set a clear plan and timeline that will return hotels and tourist accomodations that have been used in Clare to house refugees through an emergency period to the tourist market". In addition, the motion called on Tourism Minister Catherine Martin, along with Clare Tourism to "ensure a recovery and investment plan aligns" so the most affected areas and businesses are "supported in the transition phase". Councillor Garrihy insists Minister O'Gorman must take swift action for the benefit of everyone in this county.