The owners of a landmark hotel in Ballinasloe say it won't be used to house asylum seekers. It follows an application from a third party to provide accommodation for those seeking international protection. Hayden's Hotel on Dunloe Street has been closed since it was sold to Claddagh Ventures four years ago. The owners had sought a declaration from Galway County Council on whether works were 'exempted development'. These works included the addition of nine new bedrooms and five new windows on the ground floor.
The local authority said it was not exempt and it would have to go through the normal planning process. This decision was successfully appealed to An Comiusuin Pleanala after the owners withdrew plans for new windows. However, in a letter to local councillor Alan Harney, Claddagh Ventures Ltd this week clarified its position. Director Tom Coyle said the company was not involved in providing IPAS accommodation.
