The Community Council continues to advocate on behalf of the community to have the Merriman Hotel returned to tourist accommodation.
We have written to the Minister of Justice on 8 May, 25 May and 5 June concerning various matters associated with the hotel, including its designation, planning, and contract procurement. To date, we have not received a reply. However, Albert Dolan TD, having written to the Taoiseach on our behalf on 20th March has received the following reply:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y-Oqugluh13mwOqbr11pTAl5-_BkmIPA/view?usp=sharing
We have registered our dissatisfaction with the content of the letter, as it relies on an interpretation of the Government policy (i.e. not in public use) that was not part of the text of the original policy ‘not to use the sole hotel in a village’. We have also pointed out that the Merriman Hotel remains officially registered with Fáilte Ireland, is defined by Galway County Council Planning Department as hotel, and continues to renew its liquor licence. It is widely promoted online and is regarded as one of the most well-known hotels on the Wild Atlantic Way.
We have also raised concerns about the Community Engagement Team and their failure to engage before the contract was issued and on their performance since. They have failed to contact community representatives, school leadership, healthcare providers, or local transport services. Also, our Ukrainian community have now been given notice to quit the Merriman Hotel on 30th June. The Community Engagement Team have not assisted these refugees in sourcing alternative local accommodation.
These matters will be discussed at the Community Council Meeting on 18th June, 8 pm in the Community Centre.