Ireland’s refugee and asylum seeker accommodation system has transformed into a multi-billion-euro industry, one increasingly dominated by a small circle of private operators. As the number of people in the International Protection Accommodation Service has surged in recent years, the State has turned to hotel chains, contractors and entrepreneurs to provide beds, often at eye-watering cost to the taxpayer. Since 2021, more than €5 billion has been spent housing people fleeing war, persecution and instability - but much of that money has ended up in the hands of firms whose operations are largely shielded from public scrutiny. 

For this podcast, Ciara Doherty speaks with Business Post senior journalist Killian Woods, who has been following the money through the network of contracts and payments that underpin Ireland’s refugee housing market. They examine the extraordinary sums paid to companies such as Cape Wrath Hotel Unlimited (owners of Citywest) which has received over €195 million since 2022; Tifco Group, operators of Holiday Inn and Travelodge properties; and Brimwood Ltd, run by Séamus “Banty” McEnaney and his family, whose businesses have taken in more than €200 million since 2018 through State accommodation deals. Along the way, they discuss the purchase of Citywest Hotel, the rapid expansion of emergency accommodation, and the opaque world of unlimited companies that do not publish profit figures. 

The conversation also explores why protests and community opposition have intensified around new IPAS centres, how political choices are shaping the balance between private contracts and state-owned housing, and whether Ireland is stuck in a cycle of short-term crisis management rather than building a sustainable, transparent system. 

If you have views on the issues raised in this episode — from value for money to accountability in refugee housing — Ciara wants to hear from you. Email newstalkdaily@newstalk.com and join the debate.