Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has voiced strong criticism and deep disappointment following the decision by the Department of Justice to extend the use of the Avon in Blessington for International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) purposes for another 12 months.
Deputy Brady stated “I have written directly to the Minister for Justice seeking the reversal of this decision to extend the use of the Avon in Blessington for the purposes of IPAS. The extension represents the wrong approach for the local community and the local economy.
The Avon Holiday Village had originally been intended as a major tourism facility for the Blessington area and had been expected to return to that role once the previous emergency contract for accommodating Ukrainians had expired. The Minister for Justice had previously indicated that, as pressures on accommodation eased and contracts came to an end, facilities like the Avon would revert to their intended tourism and community use.”
Brady continued “The latest decision contradicts those assurances and undermines the community’s confidence in how these decisions are managed. West Wicklow is already facing a chronic shortage of tourism accommodation, a situation worsened by the high density of hotels, guesthouses, and tourism facilities currently being used for people seeking international protection or temporary protection.
“The continued diversion of key tourism assets has significant consequences for the region’s economic health. The decision to retain the Avon for IPAS purposes for another year is deeply unfair to a community that relies heavily on tourism and the revenue it brings.
“The Minister must reverse the decision, the Avon should be restored to its intended purpose and returned to the local tourism sector, which urgently needs capacity restored to sustain jobs, businesses, and the wider West Wicklow economy.” Ends