Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has said a mysterious hotel business venture he was involved in "didn't go ahead" as the premises where it was to operate has become a home for asylum seekers.

It was announced last week that up to 150 immigrants are to be sent to the former Skellig Star Hotel in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry, as part of the Government's response to the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Healy-Rae says his business plans didn't go ahead and he has raised local concerns at what he described as "poor consultation" over the plans to house asylum seekers at the former hotel.

The premises had been the location where a company called Skellig Hotel Experience Ltd - which listed Mr Healy-Rae as a shareholder - was to carry out its activities.

"Nothing came of it and it just didn't go ahead as I had envisaged," he said, adding he was no longer a shareholder.

Mr Healy-Rae said the company has "absolutely nothing" to do with the plan to move asylum seekers to the hotel.

He said he had heard concerns from local people about the relocation of immigrants.

The Department of Justice said that, due to the coronavirus emergency, it was seeking to protect the wellbeing of immigrants housed in commercial hotels by moving them to dedicated centres.

The contract with the former Skellig Star Hotel is for a 12-month period.

Irish Independent