Anger as CEO of Fáilte Ireland claims Dublin is in "desperate need" of more hotels
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Anger as CEO of Fáilte Ireland claims Dublin is in "desperate need" of more hotels

THE CEO of Irish tourism company Fáilte Ireland has come under fire for claiming that Dublin is in "desperate need" of more hotels.

Chief Executive Paul Kelly was speaking at the Developing Tourism 2020 conference in Croke Park yesterday, Monday 11th November, when he made the controversial comments.

While Mr Kelly claimed the capital city was in dire need of more hotels in order to keep up with the demand for tourism, many took to social media to point out that if things kept going the way they were, tourists would come to Dublin and and be greeted by nothing but hotels.

The backlash comes at a time where Dublin City Council have been criticised for the "cultural strip-mining" of Dublin, such as by ordering the removals of popular murals such as Horseboy and David Attenborough.

Popular and culturally important small businesses such as the Bernard Shaw and Eatyard were forced to close earlier this year when they were told their premises were being turned into a hotel.

Just last week, a mural depicting Derry Girls character Sister Michael appeared nearby the former Bernard Shaw, with a speech-bubble next to the character exclaiming "Another hotel? Christ".

People in Dublin and beyond were quick to voice their annoyance at Mr Kelly's original comments.

A Spokesperson for Fáilte Ireland stood by the comments made by Mr Kelly.

In a statement to JOE.ie, a spokesperson for the company said the comments were made "in the context of Ireland losing out on, and not being able to compete for, significant international business events and conferences because of the lack available hotel space."