BREAKDOWN: What happened with the proposed Thurles IPAS centre?

Plans to set up a centre to accommodate seekers of International Protection in Thurles have been cancelled amid public backlash.

Last week, it was revealed that a property on Mitchel Street in Thurles would be redeveloped into an IPAS centre, with the aim of being able to host asylum seekers in the town.

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The planning application was lodged by Kilbrin Homes Ltd.

Word quickly spread about the plans, with local Tipperary county councillors and TDs releasing statements on the situation, largely airing their frustration regarding the matter.

Cllr Jim Ryan released a statement on his social media, claiming his annoyance over the proposal, saying: “I can confirm that an application for an IPAS centre for Thurles is progressing. A Section 5 permission has been granted by Tipperary County Council to Kilbrin Homes in Cork for exempted development status at an old commercial building on Mitchel Street. Based on initial drawings it looks like they will be constructing 15 internal units that can accommodate 81 people seeking IPAS accommodation.

“The Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Integration has confirmed in writing to the owners that they are interested in entering into an agreement with them in providing an IPAS accommodation centre.

“This is a very worrying development for Thurles with once again no consultation with local councillors, residents, schools, gardaí etc.”

Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry and Cllr Micheál Lowry released a joint statement on the matter, in which they said: “I refer to an application seeking a Section 5 declaration in the name of Kilbrin Homes Ltd for a change of use of a property on Mitchel Street, Thurles to accommodate displaced persons seeking International Protection.

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“Information regarding this application was made available for the first time today through the Tipperary County Council website.

“No public representatives were given advanced notice. Any proposed refurbishment and extension to the property will be subject to Fire Cert regulations.

“Both Deputy Michael Lowry and Cllr Micheal Lowry deems this property unsuitable for the proposed use.

“It would have a detrimental impact on the local community and compound problems that already exist arising from similar housing accommodation in the area.

“We have today been in contact with all relevant agencies to establish the facts and then determine what can be done to change this divisive plan.

“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.

“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.”

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On Friday evening, March 21, it was confirmed that Kilbrin Homes Ltd had withdrawn their application and the set-up of the centre would no longer go ahead.

Cllr Ryan posted on social media, saying: “I have just been notified that Kilbrin Homes Ltd has decided not to go ahead with their plans for an IPAS centre in Mitchel Street in Thurles.

“I spoke with their representatives yesterday and outlined the concerns of the people of Thurles.

“As of tonight they have now listened to the people of Thurles and common sense has prevailed. WELL DONE TO THE PEOPLE OF THURLES - PEOPLE POWER.”

Deputy Lowry and Cllr Lowry also released another joint statement, in which they said: “When we first learned of an application to accommodate displaced persons seeking international protection at a property located in Mitchel Street, Cllr Micheal and myself immediately issued a statement stating clearly that this property was unsuitable for the intended purpose and that we would oppose the proposal.

“I gave an undertaking to establish the facts and decide on a course of action. Over the past few days I have had extensive interactions with the Minister, Dept Officials and the owner of Kilbrin Homes Ltd.

“I conveyed the absolute shock and dismay of the numerous people in the area who contacted us about this issue.

“I outlined a catalogue of valid and legitimate reasons as to why this proposal was unacceptable and should not proceed.

“I’m pleased to confirm that after these discussions Kilbrin Homes Ltd. have agreed to withdraw their application.

“This property will NOT become an IPAS centre. Glad that our efforts on behalf of the community have been successful.”

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Prior to the withdrawal of the initial application for the Mitchel Street centre, Cllr Ryan posted on his social media outlining that he had been made aware of plans for a second IPAS centre to be set up in Thurles, at a property on Friar Street, saying: “I can confirm that a second Section 5 Exempted Development notice has just been issued by Tipperary County Council for another IPAS accommodation centre in Thurles.

“The address is Rosendale, Friar Street. It doesn’t state how many IPAS applicants they are proposing to accommodate. The developer is Rosendale Property Ltd in Carrick-on-Suir. This is just unbelievable.”

However on Saturday morning, Cllr Ryan retracted these claims, saying: “Owners of Friar Street property in Thurles state that their building will not be used as an IPAS centre and was never intended to be in the first place. Big relief on double for Thurles tonight.”

Deputy Ryan O’Meara released a statement on the matter, expressing his concern regarding the manner of which the information surrounding the centres was publicised, saying: “The purpose of a Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act is to establish if a particular development is or is not an exempted development within the meaning of the Act. The two declarations made recently by Tipperary County Council in relation to the properties on Mitchel Street and Friar Street in Thurles do not equate to a contract being signed with IPAS for accommodation provision.

“Since initial news emerged on Wednesday of last week, I have been in contact with the relevant Minister and agencies to receive an up-to-date report on the status of the Mitchel Street application. I have learned that the first offer made for the Mitchel Street premises was in mid-2024 and this offer did not progress.

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“The offer was resubmitted in January of this year, with the S5 planning exemption approved this month.

“It is important to note that IPAS had not accepted the application before it was withdrawn by Kilbrin Homes Ltd as the application was only at a very early stage of consideration.

“I have also been informed that a previous offer was refused on the Friar Street property at the end of February this year.

“In both cases, the properties have not been sought by the Department or IPAS.

“In both instances the properties were previously offered to the Department, and both were previously considered and did not progress.

“I first learned of these applications this week, the Mitchel Street property on Wednesday and the Friar Street property on Friday.

“The information that I have to hand at the moment is as a result of my own direct enquiries to the relevant agencies.

“I fully acknowledge the concern locally in Thurles with information being provided in a piecemeal manner.

“That is not acceptable in my view and only adds to confusion and concern.

“Facts matter in both cases and the public deserve to be informed.

“I will continue to work with the local Fianna Fáil team, and I will continue to seek current updates and share them with the public as I receive them.”

A meeting was set to be held last Friday evening, March 21, however this meeting was postponed shortly after to the following Thursday, March 27, before being cancelled entirely following the withdrawal of the plans.