A business case for the State’s €148 million purchase of the Citywest complex described the site as a peaceful “exemplary model” of asylum accommodation just months before a riot took place outside.
The ‘Project Echo’ document – prepared by consultants KPMG – said the centre in Dublin had “notably” avoided the protests and unrest that were seen at other IPAS centres.
The report said: “This peaceful environment contrasts sharply with the widespread protests and incidents of arson reported at other locations.”
The business case also highlighted potential for major expansion of asylum seeker accommodation at Citywest despite public assurances that capacity would not increase.
It said the controversial purchase would allow for extensive reconfiguration of the former hotel to provide extra space.
It said the inclusion of two other parcels of land would also offer flexibility, with one potentially developed as a solar farm to supply energy on-site and another site available for accommodation or housing.
The business case said: “The Citywest hotel, leisure centre and convention centre all have the potential to provide for significant additional space due to the opportunity of reconfiguring spaces from original intended uses.
“Furthermore, the 12.14-hectare development site can be utilised for further IP [international protection] accommodation or the development of longer-term housing solutions.”
When the purchase was announced by government, however, the Department of Justice said there were no plans “to increase the capacity” there.
An information note said if any further emergency use or further capacity development were required, they would engage with local representatives and South Dublin County Council.
The statement added: “The purchase should not lead to increased pressure on local services or the community.”
The KPMG business case also described how the Citywest complex itself contained extensive empty space that could be repurposed for accommodation if needed.
It said there was “significant unused internal space” across the hotel, the convention centre, and its leisure centre.
The document said: “This reconfiguration wasn’t practical under a licence agreement but if the assets are purchased, the currently unused space will allow for ample additional space for accommodation, internal offices and associated operations.”
The business case said Citywest had up until then proved an “exemplary model” with an absence of disturbances.
It said it was an ideal site for accommodating refugees and was a “stable and secure environment for those seeking asylum.”
Last October, however, violent clashes broke out with gardaí outside the complex after the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl near the hotel.
The officer leading the policing operation later said the disorder had been “orchestrated and pre-planned online.”
The KPMG business case also said the outright €148 million purchase of the complex made most sense economically, with the Government later saying it would pay for itself within four years.
Not all documents relating to the purchase were released and the case has been appealed by Right to Know.