Tipperary All approach roads to Dundrum House Hotel were sealed off by gardaí in a major security operation, as up to 100 protestors mounted a rally at the gates Local road diversions are in place and dozens of gardaí have secured the area around Dundrum House Hotel as the first group of international protection applicants is due to arrive A man has been released without charge after being arrested during a protest outside refugee accommodation in Co Tipperary. Around 100 protesters have staged a rally at the gates of Dundrum House Hotel in Tipperary on Tuesday, as the first group of international protection applicants (IPAs) were due to arrive. The first IPA group, believed to be approximately 80 people and consisting of women and children, arrived by bus on Tuesday amid tense scenes.
The move follows over 75 days of protest at the gates by locals who are opposed to transforming the hotel into an IPAS centre. Gardaí assisted Department of Integration officials and maintained a presence at all entrances as around 80 people moved into the historic Tipperary property. A spokeswoman said they continue to engage with “those gathered peacefully at the location” and are facilitating access to and from the premises.
The group arrived in a fleet of three buses and were escorted into the former hotel where accommodation was assigned. Some locals hit out at plans to use the former hotel as "a hybrid" long-term refugee centre, arguing they wanted it to re-open as a hotel to bo.