Pat McDonagh rubbishes online posts claiming Cork hotel to switch to asylum accommodation

The management of a hotel in Co Cork have confirmed there are no plans to close to the public in order to accommodate international protection applicants.

The Charleville Park Hotel had been the subject of rumours on social media, with various posts on X claiming staff were going to lose their jobs as the hotel was set to be used to house asylum seekers.

The hotel is part of the Só Hotels group, which is owned by Pat McDonagh.

Speaking to RedFM's Neil Prendeville Show, Mr McDonagh said the rumours were entirely false, confirming the hotel will not be used to accommodate those seeking international protection.

He said he believes the claims were posted with "malicious intent", adding that such statements should not be allowed on social media as they can cause real harm to businesses.

Some of the tweets in question had also called for a boycott of Mr McDonagh's fast-food business, Supermacs.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people look at [posts on social media] and take them at face value, and consequently then it does obviously damage the business," he said.

However, Mr McDonagh commended the hotel's management for addressing the matter quickly and assuring staff that their jobs were not in question.

He also confirmed that Gardaí are investigating the origins of the posts.