BREAKING: Abbey House IPAS centre plans hit planning snag in Tipperary

Plans to convert Abbey House on Abbey Street, Cahir, into accommodation for International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) have hit a major roadblock following a decision by Tipperary County Council.

Cllr Máirin McGrath said: "Both Deputy McGrath and I have received several queries about the future use of Abbey House, Abbey Street, Cahir.

"We made enquiries and have received confirmation from the Community Engagement team in the Department of Integration that an offer of IPAS accommodation has been made to them at this location.

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"A Section 5 exemption declaration was submitted to the council late last year in relation to this.

"Following enquiries to the Planning Section in Tipperary County Council, we can confirm that in recent days, the Planning Authority has decided that the use of Abbey House, Abbey Street, Cahir,  county Tipperary to accommodate protected persons IS NOT deemed exempted development.

"A contract for IPAS accommodation cannot be fulfilled unless there is proper planning permission for same.

"Therefore the agents (acting on behalf of Brimwood Unlimited Company!) 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.

"Both of this avenues could be explored so this may not be the end of the matter, but this is the current situation for those inquiring."

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What happens now?

This decision means the project cannot legally move forward under the current exemption. The agents representing the property’s owners, Brimwood Unlimited Company, now face two options:

Appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála within 4 weeks, or

Submit a full planning application for a change of use.

Until either of these avenues is pursued and approved, the plan to use Abbey House for IPAS accommodation is effectively on hold.

While this isn’t the final word on the matter, it’s a significant development that delays any immediate occupation of the premises for IPAS use.