15th May 2025
The Community Council remains in regular contact with East Galway TDs and Senators regarding the Government’s breach of policy in awarding a two-year IPAS contract to MLC Hotels Limited. Despite continued efforts, our elected representatives have not yet succeeded in reversing the decision and returning the Merriman Hotel to commercial use.
Our public representatives have informed us that the Department of Justice has notified them that, on 4th July, the 44 members of our Ukrainian community currently residing at the Merriman Hotel will be relocated if they still require State-contracted accommodation. The Department stated:
“We will also inform people of their options to source their own accommodation if they wish to remain in the area—either through the Pledge and Offer a Home schemes (subject to availability), or privately, using available supports such as rent supplement.
Information on the location of their follow-on State-funded property will be provided closer to the date of transfer, with as much notice as possible. We will provide a list of all relocations, dates, and, in time, destinations to key local State stakeholders to activate support services as needed—for example, school registration support in the new areas.”
At the April meeting of the Kinvara Community Council, attendees expressed willingness to host displaced Ukrainian families. If you or someone you know would like to participate in this local support initiative, please visit the following link:
The Community Council remains committed to advocating for the continued support of our Ukrainian guests.
Kinvara Community Council is continuing in its efforts to make the Government adhere to its policy ‘not to award an IPAS contract to the sole hotel in a town’.
Your assistance is required to bring to the attention of our public representatives the strength of feeling that the restoration of the iconic Merriman Hotel to its original commercial purpose means to this community. Please send your personal message to:
Sean Canney TD (Independent) sean.canney@oireachtas.ie
Albert Dolan TD (Fianna Fail) albert.dolan@oireachtas.ie
Louis O’Hara TD (Sinn Fein) louis.ohara@oireachtas.ie
Pete Roche TD (Fine Gael) peter.roche@oireachtas.ie
A local group is applying for a judicial review, and over 700 signatures were secured in the accompanying petition. Further information will be advised at our May Community Council Meeting.
📌 Next Community Council Meeting
🗓 Wednesday, 21st May
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Community Centre
All Kinvara residents are welcome to attend.