TD queries how companies can make applications for exempted development on property they don't own
The ability of companies to make applications for exempted development for properties they don't own has raised concern in light of recent exemptions sought for IPAS centres in the county.
Following news last week that a company called Erin Park Ltd had made an exempted development application to transform the unit in the Oak Tree Business Park into a facility for international protection applicants, the owners of the unit said they would not be selling it to any entity that wishes to use the property as an IPAS centre.
Planners are due to make a decision by the end of the month on that proposal, but in a Facebook post last week, the owners said they had made Meath County Council aware they oppose the recent application for an exemption from planning permission.
While permission from the owner of a site is needed if making a planning application, permission is not needed for an application for an exempted development.
Deputy Johnny Guirke raised serious concerns regarding the application being made despite the applicant not owning the property.
In the Facebook post the owners were clear in their opposition to the proposals.
"We have not made this application, have no involvement in or connection to the entity making the application and we were not consulted by the applicant prior to them making the application. Accordingly, we were as shocked as anyone, when news of the submission circulated late last week. "While we are in a sale process in relation to the property, it has been made clear by us from the outset that we would not be selling the property to any prospective purchaser seeking to convert the property into an IPAS centre." Deputy Guirke said that allowing any individual to apply for such a change of use without ownership rights is fundamentally wrong. "This practice puts properties at unnecessary risk, understandably also creating confusion and concern within our communities and undermining public trust," he stated.
"It is unacceptable that anyone can seek to repurpose properties, especially in areas already struggling with infrastructure challenges, without proper oversight and accountability."
"The proposed change of use has sparked dismay among residents, who are already grappling with shortages of school places, healthcare services, Gardaí, and water infrastructure—issues that are critical to the community.
“The establishment of an IPAS centre in this context could exacerbate these existing pressures and further erode public confidence in the planning process," he said
Deputy Guirke has formally raised questions about the plans and the process that has allowed this application to proceed. He called for immediate clarification and reassessment of the procedures that permit such applications to be made by individuals without property ownership, which he believes undermines the integrity of local planning and community interests.
He urges authorities to prioritize transparency, proper oversight, and community consultation in planning decisions, especially those that could significantly impact local infrastructure and public trust.