BREAKING: Protest outside IPAS centre in Tipperary finally ends after 18 months

A group of protesters who have stood at the gates of an International Protection Centre in Dundrum, Tipperary, have decided to call off their protest after 18 months.

The demonstration outside Dundrum House Hotel was led by the "Dundrum says No" group who want to have the hotel returned for tourism purposes. The group have been protesting outside the premises 24/7 since May 2024.

The group now hopes to see the centre closed after the recent news that a Section 5 planning exemption was quashed by the High Court.

County councillor Liam Browne commended the protesters in a post online after he had heard the news. “You stood up for your local community when it mattered most.

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Sadly, you were ultimately let down by both local and national government, who know deep down that what they are doing is wrong, and in the fullness of time, that will be clear to everyone.

“Maybe some people think those who spent a year and a half at the gates were wrong. Let’s hope they don’t turn out to be proved right. Your commitment and courage deserve recognition,” he said.

Despite the issue of the high court decision being raised in the Dail by two Tipperary TD’s in late November, the government responded it will continue to operate Dundrum House as an IPAS centre for the duration of its existing contract, the Taoiseach confirmed.

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