Emails are laced with racism, says owner

THE owner of Firebreak Hospitality, Adrian Shanager, has hit out at the personal abuse he and his family have endured since it was announced the Grand Hotel was going to become a centre for direct provision.

‘The issue of direct provision is a matter of government policy and a function of needs and available solutions,’ said Mr Shanagher. ‘Debate on the issue is not a matter for us, other than

we may be in a position to assist with provision of service which we will do to the best of our ability and which we will provide with dignity and respect.

‘If I may turn instead to the calls we have received to the hotel and the emails I have received personally. 100 per cent of the emails I have received are negative, laced with an undertone of racism and intolerance hidden behind a veil of legitimacy coming from a position of self-interest. The hotel is a private enterprise and neither I (nor my family) nor my staff should be subject to any form of personal attack’.

According to Firebreak Hospitality, the hotel will continue to operate in all other aspects, apart from bedrooms. The ballroom, bar and club will remain available to the public.

‘Those that choose to support us will do so and will be welcomed but those who intend to be otherwise will not be entertained,’ said Mr Shanagher.

‘The town of Wicklow is sufficiently large and well equipped to support the small number of non-national guests that they may be called upon to welcome into the community.

‘It remains to be seen if the people of Wicklow have the propensity to do so.