AN iconic pub recently revamped for an estimated €2million looks set to become a new migrant centre.
TDs in Drogheda, Co Louth have reacted with shock to the loss of the Merchant Bar on the town’s historic Laurence Street.
Owners Proper Innovation Ltd have applied to Louth County Council for full planning permission to change the use of the building from a licenced premises to house international protection applicants instead.
Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd raged: “We have taken more than our fair share. This move is another massive blow.
“I will be raising the issue with the Taoiseach Simon Harris in the Dail.”
And Labour Deputy Ged Nash warned: “Decisions like this by private companies are made as a direct result of Government policy.
“When you privatise the accommodation system and make it lucrative and financially attractive, towns will continue to lose hotels, bars and restaurants.
“This is on Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Green Party and they need to own it and change tack.
“For as long as this Government refuses to back what it says is its own policy and build State run accommodation on State owned land promised as far back as 2021, town centres, jobs and local economic activity will continue to be affected.”
The proposal has caused anger and outrage among the public who say their town will soon have more refugees than anywhere else in Ireland.
A notice of the owners’ intention was posted on the front of the premises in the past few days.
It said: “The development seeking permission comprises change of use of the premises to provide for use of the building to a facility that will provide accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary accommodation and accommodation for Internal Protection Accomodation Services (IPAS) and associated internal reconfiguration works on the building.”
The move follows local outrage that the only hotel left in Drogheda town centre available to tourists, the D Hotel, was closed down a few months ago to house international protection applicants.
The Merchant bar and restaurant only opened before Christmas after the whole building was gutted and renovated from top to bottom with six new apartments upstairs, at an estimated cost of millions of euro.
The premises was previously known as the Laurence Inn, and has been a landmark pub in Drogheda town centre for centuries.
Mr O’Dowd insisted: “It could be a year before it happens because if planning is granted we will be able to appeal it.”
The Laurence Street Traders Group which consists of businesses in the area said it is very concerned at the impact of additional Direct Provision facilities on the street.