Justice Minister rejects 'purchase' claims in respect of leading Mayo hotel

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has confirmed that his department's International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) has not received an offer of accommodation at Breaffy House Hotel and Resort in Castlebar - and is not examining the property for use as international protection accommodation or planning to purchase the site.

In response to a parliamentary question tabled by Mayo TD Paul Lawless, he elaborated: "Breaffy Woods Hotel and the Breaffy Arena, which are adjacent to Breaffy House Hotel and Resort, are currently in use as emergency accommodation centres for international protection applicants.

"There are no plans to increase contracted capacity at the two sites."

There had been some online speculation in regard to the issue in recent months, but it is now shown to be unfounded.

The minister also explained that since 2024, once a centre is in operation, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has not published details of the capacity or occupancy of our accommodation centres.

"This is due to both safety and security concerns, and to protect the privacy of international protection applicants in line with legal obligations under the International Protection Act 2015," he added.

Deputy Lawless had requested information from the minister in respect of the following issues.

1. If he plans to expand the use of a premises as a centre under the international protection accommodation services; and if so, for details of the scope and nature of such plans.

2. Whether he, any other government department, or State agency has plans, whether at discussion stage or already agreed, to purchase the premises for use as a centre under the international protection accommodation services; and if so, for details of the rationale behind such a decision.

3. To issue confirmation of the number of international protection applicants currently residing at the premises and the expected duration of their accommodation at the site.

4. To outine the criteria and processes being used to assess the suitability of the premises for expanded use as an IPAS centre, including any assessments of its capacity to accommodate additional applicants.

5. To confirm whether any agreements or contractual arrangements have been entered into between his Department and the owners or developers of the premises for its redevelopment or long-term operation as an IPAS centre and, if so, for details of the terms involved.

6. Confirmation of whether an impact assessment has been conducted to evaluate the effects of expanding IPAS accommodation at the premises on the surrounding communities of Breaffy and Castlebar; and if so, for details of when and how its findings will be published.

7. The means by which his department is coordinating with Mayo County Council, the HSE, and other relevant authorities to ensure that public services in Breaffy and Castlebar can meet the anticipated demand resulting from increased population due to IPAS accommodation the premises.

8. A breakdown of the costs incurred to date in 2025 by the State and Mayo County Council in accommodating international protection applicants at a premises and for details of the projected costs associated with its continued or expanded use.

9. Details of the involvement of local community groups, residents, local politicians, and Deputies for Mayo in the suitability assessment for the property at the premises

9. Confirmation of whether the Government or any State Department has agreed to purchase the premises, or any part thereof, for the purpose of permanent or expanded use as an IPAS centre; and if so, for details of the transaction