By Sean Moriarty

Local TD Danny Healy-Rae has told the Dáil that Kerry’s tourism industry could be “dismantled” as a result of the “effect the very significant number of refugees and asylum seekers coming into this country”.

Deputy Healy-Rae raised his concerns with the Taoiseach Michael Martin in the Dáil on Wednesday.

“I am calling for a frank and open debate on the impact and effect the very significant number of refugees and asylum seekers coming into this country is having on our services, be it doctors, social welfare offices, hospitals, education and our hospitality industry in Kerry. We are very worried that it could be dismantled,” he said. “I am saying to the Taoiseach that it is not enough to say the Government will provide beds and a roof over their heads. We need to have the other services. Our own people cannot get into social welfare offices.”

There are about 1,304 Ukrainians housed across Killarney with the majority are living in hotels. He is concerned that suitable full-time accommodation will not be found by the beginning of the tourism industry next March.

Either Killarney will face a hotel night shortage or there will be a repeat of the scenes witnessed earlier this month when several refugees were told, with 48 hours notice, that they are being transferred to a different town. A massive public outcry prevented the move at the time.

“I am looking for an honest and open debate here inside in the chamber. We are representing County Kerry here and our tourism industry could be dismantled together with what has been happening on housing with the closing down of so many beds in Airbnb accommodation. Where are we going to be in March?” added Healy Rae.

Martin denied that Killarney’s tourism industry was at risk.

“With the greatest will in the world, I do not believe we could ever dismantle Kerry tourism or Kerry hospitality,” he said. “It is an impossibility. It cannot happen. I have been there too often, including last summer, and there is not a hope that it could be dismantled. It is so strong and robust. There are genuine issues in certain towns. We have a list of towns that have gone way beyond the call of the duty when compared to other areas. We saw that recently in Killarney, where the community responded very generously. We appreciate that."

Aside from any potential risks to the tourism industry, Healy-Rae also warned that other services are being neglected.

“The Government has not provided one extra doctor or one extra man for the social welfare office,” he added.