Abbey House in Cahir is not an exempt development from planning to accommodate protected persons according to Independent Cllr Mairin McGrath.
Cllr McGrath confirmed the Council received a Section 5 exemption declaration on this building.
The agent of the building can appeal this decision to An Board Plenala within 4 weeks or will have to apply for full planning permission for a change of use.
Ms McGrath believes both of these avenues could be explored so this may not be the end of the matter, but this is the current situation.
A contract for IPAS accommodation cannot be fulfilled unless there is proper planning permission for same.
The local councillor also confirmed that the Community Engagement team in the Department of Integration had been offered this location as an IPAS accommodation.
