Tipperary TDs call for closure of IPAS centre after liquidation
South Tipperary’s two TDs have written a joint letter to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan seeking a meeting in relation to a controversial IPAS centre in the county.
Deputies Michael Murphy and Mattie McGrath have written to the minister to seek a meeting on the future of the IPAS centre at Dundrum House Hotel following the liquidation of the company that owns it, Brogan Capital Ventures.
The decision to put the company into liquidation meant the immediate closure of Dundrum House Hotel’s golf course, leisure centre and driving range, resulting in the loss of 48 jobs. The IPAS centre, which is run by Utmasta Ltd, remains open.
In the letter, the South Tipperary TDs said that the closure is a “severe blow” to staff, club members and the community of Dundrum, and called for a meeting to discuss the future of the site.
"While the IPAS centre on the campus is unaffected by the company’s decision, the overall uncertainty around the future of the property has only deepened,” they said.
"As we have previously raised with you, the IPAS contract on the Dundrum House campus must now be brought to an end without delay. It has had a significant impact on the community and business life in Dundrum and reduced their potential as a hospitality and tourism asset, and in light of the liquidation and facility closures, it is essential that a clear pathway is set out to conclude this arrangement,” the letter added.
Both TDs said that they would welcome a meeting with Minister O’Callaghan to reiterate a timeline for the closure of the IPAS centre at Dundrum House, to discuss the liquidation of the company and the impact on the employees, and explore how the Government can help support future development at the site.
The issue was also raised at Monday’s plenary meeting of Tipperary County Council, with Fine Gael councillor John Crosse saying that the community wants the hotel returned to leisure and tourism use.
"Tipperary Tourism, or maybe ourselves as a council might be able to bring a motion forward on the issue of Dundrum House Hotel, and the designation of the entire site of Dundrum House Hotel, and that it is ringfenced as tourism and amenity for that area,” Cllr Crosse said.
"I speak for the whole of the county and all the locals around the Dundrum area, this is what they want the hotel to be returned to, and if it had a certain designation, it could attract developers and people with money to develop that site and bring it back to its former glory,” Cllr Crosse added.