Calls to designate Leitrim Marina Hotel as ‘Essential Infrastructure’

In February, a meeting was held in Leitrim Village after the Department of Integration was offered the Leitrim Marina Hotel for international protection applicants and began considering the proposal.

Hundreds of locals attended the meeting, along with councillors and TDs for Sligo-Leitrim, to voice concerns about potentially losing the hotel.

According to Cllr Cormac Flynn, frustration over the possible loss of the hotel was “very apparent” at the meeting.

During March’s meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Flynn sought members support in requesting Leitrim County Council, through its various subcommittees, assign "Essential Infrastructure" status to the Leitrim Marina Hotel as a functioning hotel, emphasising its role in the success of the Shannon Blueway and other key tourist projects in Leitrim Village area.

“There is disappointment that a change of planning use was applied for the Leitrim Marina. It is an essential part of infrastructure in the locality,” Cllr Flynn said.

His motion was supported by all attending members of Carrick-on-Shannon MD.

Cllr Enda Stenson commented that he believes the hotel’s future is ultimately a Government decision. He suggested urging the Government to return the hotel for tourism use, as the matter falls beyond the Council’s control.

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“This is too important to lose a hotel in a place like Leitrim Village and the Council should explore some avenue,” Cllr Flynn added.

A reply from the Planning department explained that the term “Essential Infrastructure” is not formally recognised by the local authority, except in flood risk guidelines.

The reply further clarified that aside from constitutional considerations, there is no known legal basis for designating a privately owned hotel as an essential infrastructure.

Additionally, planning and development legislation allows for temporary use exemptions, enabling hotels to accommodate people seeking international protection.

“There is no decision which can be taken by a Local Authority which can have the effect of hollowing out the intention of the legislature in this regard,” the response concluded.

Cllr Flynn suggested that the local authority examine how other counties in similar situations have handled the issue.

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