Dialog group event at Powerscourt in Wicklow cancelled

Powerscourt Estate have said that an event, organised by a network co-founded by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, will not be taking place.

The event, hosted by the Dialog group, was due to take place at the hotel in Wicklow in August.

However, in a short statement released today, the estate confirmed that the event has been cancelled.

“Following a period of great concern for Powerscourt Estate and on foot of discussions with The Powerscourt Hotel, we are relieved and pleased to announce the Dialog event planned for August at the Powerscourt Hotel has been cancelled,” the statement read.

“Powerscourt Estate wish to thank all of those who supported us through this difficult and challenging time. Including our staff, neighbours, friends, supporters and legal team.”

In a separate statement, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa said that “a publicised event scheduled to take place in August will now not be taking place at the Hotel. We have no further comment.”

Dialog counts international politicians, technology executives, military leaders and financial investors among its members.

It has been variously described as secretive and elitist, while critics have linked it to Mr Thiel’s nationalistic or libertarian political viewpoint.

Mr Thiel is a major backer of Donald Trump and the co-founder of Palantir, an AI company which has worked with ICE, the Israeli military, and US military.

Palantir is used to analyse vast amounts of data for various purposes, including reportedly to identify targets for military attacks.

At least six Irish people, including one member of the Oireachtas, had been invited to the event in Wicklow.

Independent Senator Lynn Ruane was among those originally invited, and had intended to participate, but later withdrew.

Read More: Senator among six Irish on invite list of secretive Dialog group