There has been a strong political and public reaction in opposition to plans for an IPAS Accommodation centre on Mitchell Street in Thurles.
Kilbrin Homes based in Cork has been granted a Section 5 declaration from Tipperary County Council that confirms works to modify a former furniture store and warehouse into a 15 roomed facility providing accommodation for 81 persons does not need planning permission. The property has been vacant for 4 years and changed ownership recently. There is some doubt as to whether all of the planned modifications can be considered “exempted development”.
Local Independent Councillor Jim Ryan is to host a public meeting in the Anner Hotel Ballroom on Thursday 27th night at 7.30pm. The change in date and venue is to give adequate notice to the invited guests. Cllr Ryan describes the project as “a very worrying development for Thurles with once again no consultation with local councillors, residents, schools or Gardaí.”
Thurles based TD Michael Lowry and his son, Cllr Micheal Lowry have also indicated that they will oppose the facility. The TD says the publication on the council website of the Section 5 was the first time information about the possible new Accommodation centre was made public.(Scroll down to see Section 5). The documentation includes a letter from the Department responsible for migration, dated July 2024, expressing interest in using the property.
Deputy Lowry’s view is that the “property is unsuitable” for the proposed use and adds that it would have “a detrimental impact on the local community and compound problems that already exist arising from similar housing accommodation in the area.” Team Lowry says it will work to change what it calls “this divisive plan”.
Deputy Lowry goes on to state that It is “totally unacceptable and irresponsible to keep Public Representatives in the dark, particularly in view of the already widespread anger and disruption throughout the country in response to the procedure involved with these types of applications.” In a strongly worded statement the TD continues to say “It is a mockery and farcical to suggest that there is local consultation. The absence of consultation is one of the many reasons why immigration policy is an abject failure.”
A section 5 Declaration was also published yesterday in respect of Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, near Cahir, based on an application by a different Cork based company.
