TDs To Examine If €1bn Asylum Costs Are "Value For Money", With Millions Spent In Kildare

Monday, 12 May 2025 12:44

By Martin Osborne

Several properties in Kildare linked to the Coldec Group have raked in millions of euro.

The Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee Chair has vowed to investigate whether Government spending on asylum seeker accommodation represents “value for money”.

Last year, the Government spent just over €1 billion on housing international protection applicants - up from close to €652 million in 2023.

The Citywest Hotel in Saggart, run by Cape Wrath Hotel Unlimited, received the largest amount of money from the Government last year to accommodate asylum seekers.

It received over €53 million between January and September 2024.

Several properties in Kildare linked to the Coldec Group have also raked in millions of euro over the past couple of years.

The owner of the 18th-century protected Ryevale House, used to house female refugees, has taken in around €3.79m of euro in state payments since May 2023.

The protected building underwent modifications without required planning permission.

Since 2022, The Celbridge Manor Hotel took in €12.6 million.

Committee chair, Sinn Féin TD John Brady, says the Dáil's spending watchdog will ensure the public is getting the most value for money across the country, while continuing to accommodate for around 33 thousand asylum seekers.

More from Local News

Taxi Driver Protest Suspended Pending Outcome Of Talks

The action has been suspended pending the outcome of a meeting at Government buildings next week.
Lights Could Make Anti-Social Behaviour Worse: Council Says No To Security Lighting At Kilcock Playground

A motion from Social Democrats Councillor Peter Melrose had called for lighting to improve passive surveillance, but officials say previous attempts in other playgrounds failed to curb antisocial behaviour - and in some cases made it worse.
BREAKING: Green Light For €1.3bn Drainage Scheme Serving Kildare After Court Agreement

The major project is seen as crucial to the provision of future housing infrastructure.
Kildare Man Nigel Cullen Awarded With National Bravery Award After Saving Young Man From House Fire

Audio

More than 17 people have been recognised at this year’s National Bravery Awards in Leinster House
Council Diverts €17K Carbury Castle Resoration Funding To Christmas Lights - Maynooth Gets Lion's Share

€11,000 has been assigned to Maynooth, as part of €17,000 redistributed from the Carbury Castle Restoration Project under Local Property Tax rules.
Lakeside–Dara Park Redevelopment: Newbridge Residents Urged To Take Part In Survey

An online anonymous survey is now live and will remain open until 4pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Irish Troops Come Under "Small-Arms Fire" In Lebanon

Defence Minister Helen McEntee is condemning the incident, and says it's an unacceptable breach of the UN Security Council Resolution.
€17,000 Paid Out For Pothole Damage In Kildare - But Some Claims Now Deemed ‘Act Of God’

IPB Insurance, which manages complaints on behalf of Kildare County Council, is the insurance company some people appear to be having issues with.