The Rosemount Guest House in Tralee, County Kerry, owned by independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae, has received a significant amount of funding for accommodating Ukrainian guests, according to new figures. The guesthouse has received a total of €917,970 (including VAT) to date, with €151,320 being paid out in the first quarter of this year alone. In addition, the guesthouse has received €766,650 over the previous five quarters for accommodating Ukrainians.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth published quarterly figures that reveal a total payout of €213.44 million to accommodation providers housing Ukrainians between January 1 and March 31 this year. However, while payments for accommodating Ukrainians decreased by 5% compared to the same period last year, payments for housing International Protection (IP) applicants increased by 54%. The system for accommodating IP applicants has been pushed to its limits due to the growing number of applicants arriving in Ireland.
The overall cost of accommodating Ukrainians and IP applicants in the first three months of this year reached €428.34 million, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. Independent Clare TD and Ireland South candidate for the European Elections, Michael McNamara, commented on the figures, expressing the need to shift focus towards building state accommodation rather than enriching private providers. He also highlighted the inadequacy of the allocated €34 million for the decision-making process.
The figures also shed light on other accommodation providers who received substantial payments. The Tetrarch Capital Group-owned Cape Wrath Hotel UC in Dublin received €16.76 million, while Total Experience Limited received €7.7 million for constructing emergency accommodation facilities in Naas, County Kildare. The D Hotel in Drogheda received payments of €1.52 million, and Breaffy House Resort in County Mayo received €3.2 million.
These figures highlight the increasing demand for accommodation in Ireland and the government’s reliance on private providers. As the number of Ukrainian guests and IP applicants continues to rise, it becomes imperative to address the issue of sustainable and affordable accommodation solutions to ensure the well-being and integration of those in need.
An FAQ Section:
Q: How much funding has the Rosemount Guest House received for accommodating Ukrainian guests?
A: The guesthouse has received a total of €917,970 (including VAT) to date, with €151,320 being paid out in the first quarter of this year alone.
Q: How much funding has been paid to accommodation providers housing Ukrainians in the first quarter of this year?
A: A total payout of €213.44 million has been made to accommodation providers housing Ukrainians between January 1 and March 31 this year.
Q: How does the increase in payments for housing International Protection (IP) applicants compare to payments for accommodating Ukrainians?
A: While payments for accommodating Ukrainians decreased by 5% compared to the same period last year, payments for housing IP applicants increased by 54%.
Q: What is the overall cost of accommodating Ukrainians and IP applicants in the first three months of this year?
A: The overall cost reached €428.34 million, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year.
Q: What is the opinion of Independent Clare TD, Michael McNamara, regarding state accommodation?
A: Michael McNamara expressed the need to shift focus towards building state accommodation rather than enriching private providers. He also criticized the allocated €34 million for the decision-making process as inadequate.
Q: Which other accommodation providers received substantial payments for housing Ukrainians?
A: The Tetrarch Capital Group-owned Cape Wrath Hotel UC in Dublin received €16.76 million, while Total Experience Limited received €7.7 million for constructing emergency accommodation facilities in Naas, County Kildare. The D Hotel in Drogheda received payments of €1.52 million, and Breaffy House Resort in County Mayo received €3.2 million.
Definitions:
– IP applicants: This refers to individuals who have applied for International Protection, which is a status granted to those seeking refuge and protection as refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.
– VAT: Value Added Tax, a consumption tax added to the price of goods and services.
– European Elections: Elections held across the European Union to elect members of the European Parliament.
Suggested Related Links:
– Refugee Protection
– Tetrarch Capital Group
– The D Hotel
– Breaffy House Resort