Local man objects to renewal of liquor license at Breaffy Woods Hotel

A local man has objected to the renewal of a liquor license at Breaffy Woods Hotel at the annual licensing court at Castlebar District Court this afternoon (Thursday).

Stephen Kerr made the objection on the grounds that the Breaffy Woods Hotel was now operating as an accommodation centre for Ukrainian refugees and not as a hotel.

The hotel has been accommodating refugees since hundreds of people arrived in Mayo following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Representing himself in court, Mr Kerr claimed that the hotel’s liquor license was not suitable to the needs of the people living in the local community.

“I am basically objecting on the grounds that the applicant’s character and the premises, unfitness and unsuitability for the persons residing in the neighbourhood,” Mr Kerr told the court.

Patricia Lally, acting as solicitor for Wilson Bird, General Manager of the Breaffy House Resort, said she would contest the objection on behalf of her client.

Mr Kerr did not object to the renewal of the dance license or liquor license of the nearby Breaffy House Hotel, which was also dealt with by Ms Lally at the annual licensing court.

There was no state objection to the licenses at the Breaffy House Resort.

Judge Fiona Lydon adjourned the matter for a full hearing on December 14. She then told Mr Kerr that his objection would be struck out if he did not appear in court on that date.

Mr Kerr, who helps runs a website called www.irishinquiry.com, has organised anti-Government policy demonstrations in Castlebar in recent months.

He has also been an outspoken critic of the Government's lack of communication with local communities about the accommodating of displaced refugees at various locations around Mayo.