New bid for Laois pub IPAS centre
A new planning application has been made for IPAS accommodation at Lennon's pub in Durrow. File photo
A PUBLICAN who was refused planning permission for IPAS accommodation in Durrow has lodged a new application for the controversial project.
Marc Lennon has made a new planning submission to Laois Co Council, seeking to convert Lennon’s Bar on Mary Street from an existing pub and guesthouse/hostel into an IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) centre.
The planning notice was published in the and the latest application was lodged with the council on Friday, 16 October.
A previous bid to convert Lennon’s Bar into IPAS use was granted by Laois Co Council last March but was overturned in August, following an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP).
The ACP refusal followed a major local campaign, led by Durrow Community Council (DCC), which included packed public meetings at the town’s Castle Arms Hotel.
After the county council granted permission, DCC set up a fundraiser to support an appeal to ACP, which raised more than €9,000 to cover legal and other costs.
The new application for Lennon’s seeks to change the use of the existing pub and guesthouse/hostel into ‘accommodation for IPAS only’.
The plan includes ‘change of use of the existing ground floor bar and private accommodation on the first floor (both floors permitted as guesthouse/hostel use) for use for accommodation on both ground floor and first floor, comprising nine bedrooms with 33 bed spaces’.
Permission is also sought for an additional kitchen dining area, communal living area, dining room, study and communal space and two storage areas.
The ground floor would have female bathroom facilities and male bathroom facilities, while the first floor would have mixed bathroom facilities. A new laundry area would be located to the rear, attached by a covered canopy.
Laois Co Council is due to make a decision on the new application by or on 10 December.
Mr Lennon had originally received planning permission from the county council for the development at Lennon’s, as well as retention planning permission for Peadar’s Bar.
The owner contended that the plans would bring more vitality to Durrow, adding to the population and allowing for sustainable growth of the town centre.
However, residents and community representatives argued that the small heritage town, with a population of just 946 according to the last census in 2022, does not have the infrastructure and services to accommodate dozens of new residents, particularly in terms of traffic, public transport, policing and medical facilities.
