Dundrum House: if not an IPAS centre, what is to become of it?

​Local TD Michael Murphy has called for the Government to end its IPAS contract with Dundrum House; however, plans or intentions for what should be done with the building, should it be no longer used for that purpose, remain vague.

​An Coimisiún Pleanála recently determined that the building may in fact need planning permission to be used as an IPAS centre, a decision which Deputy Murphy said is a ‘watershed moment’.

However, he stressed that a “humanitarian” approach was essential.

“I want to be absolutely clear that I am not advocating the sudden displacement of the individuals and families currently residing there. They bear no responsibility whatsoever for the planning, contractual or administrative issues surrounding this facility and their welfare and dignity must be protected”.

Putting the IPAS centre to one side, Tipperary Live put to Deputy Murphy the question, what should or could be done with the building?

“On what happens next, I certainly don’t want to see Dundrum House simply become vacant again.

“Given its history and its former role in tourism, hospitality, leisure and employment, I would hope Dundrum House could ultimately return to productive use and once again make a positive contribution to the community”.

“On the period between 2018 and 2022, I don’t accept that the choice was simply between leaving Dundrum House vacant and the arrangement that subsequently emerged. I fully recognise the extraordinary humanitarian pressures the Government faced in 2022 and the urgent need to source accommodation”.

There are many houses and hotels lying vacant across the country, and it is a well-acknowledged fact how quickly a building can fall apart once the lights are turned off.

However, the idea that the State or the council can simply buy a building is idealistic, as the maintenance and running costs can far outstrip what value a building can meaningfully bring in once in public ownership.

Deputy Murphy did not outwardly suggest that the building be purchased by the State, but pointed out that the fact that the IPAS operation remained while “the golf course, leisure centre, restaurant and other facilities closed has understandably added to the sense of loss locally”.

“I don’t want Dundrum House derelict or lying empty” said Deputy Murphy.

“Equally, I don’t believe the possibility of vacancy can justify maintaining the present arrangement indefinitely. We should start planning now for what comes next”.

“I want to see a future in which this historic estate can once again make a positive contribution to Dundrum, through tourism, hospitality, recreation, employment and community activity, while ensuring that its considerable history, heritage and architectural significance are protected for future generations”.