Dungloe businessman 'can no longer accept individuals sent from local government'

A Dungloe businessman has decided not to continue to “accept individuals sent from the housing sector of local government” in light of recent unrest in the area.

On Sunday last, a crowd in the region of 400 attended a peaceful protest in Dungloe against local businessman, Mr PJ Boyle, following a series of anti-social incidents in the Rosses.

Mr Gary Sweeney, who organised the protest, stressed on a social media post: "The protest was solely against convicts being moved into our town. In no way whatsoever was this protest linked to any form of anti-immigration policy or opinion."

Mr Boyle issued a statement in relation to the protestations and accusations that have been levied at him and his operations in Dungloe. He maintains that any services provided were "on the basis that the local authority as a housing authority deems the people suitable to be provided with temporary accommodation".

“Over the last couple of years, we have engaged with local authorities in Donegal to house people identified as social housing applicants availing of homeless vouchers and awaiting permanent housing,” Mr Boyle stated. “These individuals were residing with us on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

“My understanding is the applicants arrive at our premises after a phone call from the housing department from a housing officer asking if we have vacancies. Once it is established that we have a vacancy, the person or persons are given our details and contact us directly.

“We are not privy to their social standing, personal data, including criminal record or any medical history. We are not authorised nor have we have any authority to vet people. We accept people on the basis that the local authority as a housing authority deems the people suitable to be provided with temporary accommodation at one of our locations. We do not discriminate against people based on race, religion or gender orientation.

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“In response to the upset and unrest in the Rosses and the wider community, we have taken the tough decision that we can no longer accept individuals sent from the housing sector of local government.

“My cousin [Chicago-based Kevin Boyle] and I own several businesses in the Dungloe area of which I am the director, including two hotels [Sweeneys and the Waterfront], a bed and breakfast [River House B&B] and a hostel [River House Hostel], along with several buildings all designed for hospitality.

“We have not designed nor fashioned any of these premises with a view to attract or accommodate anybody with anti-social tendencies. We take it that the local government agencies who request temporary accommodation for individuals deem them suitable to be accommodated at one of our venues. We employ approximately 120 people in the locality.

“Although I cannot speak about individuals nor do I wish to, I would like to state the following as fact. From April 2022 until July 2024 we housed a number of people under the DCEDIY (Ukrainian refugees) scheme. We do not and have never accommodated any persons identified on the IPPS scheme (International Protection Procurement Services). My understanding is the last voucher issued to us by local authorities expired on Thursday, December 19, 2024.”