BREAKING: Local uproar over application for proposed IPAS centre in Thurles

Cllr Jim Ryan has announced he will be hosting a public meeting on Thursday 27 March at 7:30pm in the Anner Hotel regarding the news of a proposed IPAS Centre for Thurles.

In a post on social media earlier this evening Thurles councillor Jim Ryan wrote:

"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 in 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 have 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, Gardai etc."

READ NEXT: Thousands at parades in north Tipperary for ‘best St Patrick’s Day in years’

Deputy Michael Lowry and Cllr Micheal Lowry later issued a joint statement on the matter saying: "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 St, Thurles to accommodate displaced persons seeking international protection

"Information regarding this application was made available for the first time today through 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."