A packed Kinvara Community Centre gathered last night for an important update on the ongoing campaign to restore the Merriman Hotel to commercial use.
Despite invitations, none of the East Galway Oireachtas members attended due to Dáil business. Only one written statement was received—from Louis O’Hara TD, which was read aloud at the meeting.
The Community Council has yet to receive a meaningful response from the Taoiseach, Ministers, or elected representatives regarding why Government policy has been breached—a policy that explicitly states the sole hotel in a village would not be contracted for use as an IPAS centre.
Instead, the government insists the Merriman “is not a hotel.” This raises serious questions:
• If it’s not a hotel, why wasn’t a change-of-use application required?
• Why has it renewed its liquor license for 2025?
• What has a new fire safety certificate not been issued for housing 98 people?
• Were these matters considered in signing the contract with MLC Hotels Limited?
These questions remain unanswered.
The meeting also confirmed that a judicial review application has been lodged in the High Court, with a decision expected by 23rd June. A petition with over 800 Kinvara residents’ signatures accompanied the application.
The Community Council have raised concerns with Galway County Council on potential planning and fire safety breaches, a reply is outstanding.
Particular condemnation was voiced over the decision to displace the Ukrainian families currently housed at the Merriman by 4th July. These families are part of our community, and we appeal for local support in helping them find alternative accommodation in Kinvara.
Several attendees expressed support for people seeking international protection, calling for suitable and dignified accommodation solutions from the government. Finally, a strong appeal was made to keep our campaign respectful and prevent outside groups from using this issue to push divisive agendas.
The message from the community was clear: We expect answers, transparency, and leadership from our elected representatives.