Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, John Brady, has said that the ongoing situation at Kippure Lodge and Holiday Village in West Wicklow exposes the government’s “flawed” and “confused” approach to providing IPAS accommodation.
Teachta Brady said:
“New figures from the Department show that the company operating the IPAS centre at Kippure Lodge and Holiday Village received a total of €5.6 million in four payments between July and September of this year.
“This is at the same time that they are locked in a High Court battle with Wicklow County Council after they failed to comply with enforcement notices issued by the local authority, resulting in legal proceedings.
“It is alleged that a total of 65 houses were constructed without planning permission.
“So, one arm of the state gives out millions to the operators of the accommodation every quarter, while another arm of the state takes them to the High Court.
“This case is now adjourned until the 26th of January 2026, the third adjournment this year – all the while, public funds continue to be spent on operating a potentially illegal centre and on costly legal fees.
“This situation is a microcosm of the government’s failed approach to providing IPAS accommodation.
“Wherever there are doubts around planning compliance, the state should not be entering into lucrative contracts with providers.
“I’m calling on the Minister to immediately review all contracts where there are issues regarding planning compliance.
“The Comptroller and Auditor General’s recent annual report also outlined the litany of issues in relation to the management of contracts for IPAS accommodation which the state is due to spend €1.2 billion on this year alone.
“The report is damning in terms of a lack of due diligence and payment controls.
“Sinn Féin has repeatedly raised concerns about the amount of money that is being spent on international protection accommodation which has made millionaires of a small number of people.”
ENDS