Emergency meeting in Durrow over potential IPAS centres
The former Lennon's Bar on Mary Street, Durrow. File image
AN emergency public meeting will be held in Durrow tonight, following controversial granting of planning permission for two potential IPAS centres.
Organised by Durrow Community Council (DCC), the meeting will start at 8pm in the town’s Castle Arms Hotel and is expected to be attended by a number of councillors and TDs.
Laois Co Council granted conditional permission last week for both Peadar’s Bar and Lennon's bar in Durrow to be converted to accommodation, which could house asylum seekers under the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
However, planning permission does not automatically mean that the buildings can be used for those seeking asylum, which would require a contract with the Department of Justice.
The granting of planning permission can be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Owner Marc Lennon obtained planning permission for the development at Lennon's, as well as retention planning permission for Peadar’s Bar, both on Mary Street.
Both applications prompted packed public meetings last year, while there were more than 140 submissions to the council regarding the plans.
At Lennon’s, the project includes change of use of the existing ground floor bar and private rooms on the first floor for use as accommodation, consisting of 10 bedrooms, a kitchen/dining area, a communal living area, bathrooms and showers.
At Peadar’s Bar, the planning permission is for retention and change of use of the existing ground floor bar and upstairs rooms into private accommodation, together with a single-storey extension to the rear, altogether providing a total of 11 bedrooms and living accommodation.
The buildings would provide accommodation for about 60 people.
According to the council’s planning report, the applicant was asked whether IPAS contracts were in place. The applicant said it was their understanding that planning permission was required before they could apply.
Laois Co Council approved both plans subject to 15 conditions, having sought further information last September.
