Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), John Brady, has today challenged Department of Justice officials on the ongoing situation at Kippure Holiday Village in West Wicklow, and the broader shortage of tourist accommodation in County Wicklow.
Speaking after his engagement with officials at the committee today, Teachta Brady said:
“Most recent figures from the Department show that the company operating the IPAS centre at Kippure Holiday Village received a total of €5.6 million in four payments between July and September of 2025.
“This is at the same time that the Department confirmed to me that they are aware of ongoing engagement between the provider and the local authority in relation to a number of planning matters that are currently before the courts.
“So, one arm of the state gives out millions every quarter to the operators of the accommodation, while another arm of the state takes them to courts.
“This makes absolutely no sense.
“This situation is symptomatic of the government’s failed approach to providing IPAS and Ukrainian accommodation centres.
“A failed approach that did not consult with affected communities and has made millionaires of a small number of people.
“This isn’t an issue that is unique to Kippure – we’ve seen recent extensions of contracts at the Avon Resort in Blessington and the Grand Hotel in Wicklow Town.
“The Royal Hotel, the Esplanade Hotel and the Wilton Hotel, all in Bray are also currently being used for Ukrainian and IPAS accommodation, as well as a number of guest houses across Wicklow, removing hundreds of tourism beds.
“This is the wrong approach for the local community and the local economy.
“The Minister had assured us that, as pressures eased, hotels and guest houses would revert to tourism and community use.
“These decisions completely contradict that, and leave Wicklow with a chronic shortage of beds for visitors.
“As Chair of the committee, I have requested additional information from the Department in relation to all of these matters and will be following up to ensure satisfactory answers are provided.”
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