Trim industrial unit earmarked for IPAS accommodation refused planning exemption

Meath County Council has ruled that the use of an industrial unit in a Trim business park as an accommodation centre for international protection applicants would not be exempted development and would therefore require planning permission.

Erinpark Ltd had sought a section five declaration that what it described as "non-material amendments to the facade" of Unit 29 in the Oaktree Business Park and also for a change of use from commercial to temporary use to accommodate persons seeking international protection.

The proposal prompted widespread criticism over the unsuitability of a warehouse unit for accommodating international protection applicants. A similar proposal for a warehouse unit in Kells was also shot down by planners last month.

Meath County Council has refused a declaration of exempted development for the Oaktree unit which means the applicant would have to apply for planning permission.

The planner noted that that applicant had failed to submit sufficient documentation to the planning authority in relation to the proposed works and had not submitted drawings to set out the full nature of the works to the facade.

It considered that the "proposed development would most likely require additional windows, vents and potential fire safety measures in order to convert the existing structure into a habitable space in terms of natural lighting, ventilation fire safety etc" and that in order to "successfully change the use of the structure to provide accommodation suitable for human habitation, material changes to the external facade would be required".

After the application was made, the owners of the building said they would not be selling the property to any entity that wishes to use it as an IPAS Centre and also stated that they were not consulted prior to the application being made. It raised questions about the process by which a section five declaration can be sought on a property without the owner's consent.

Reacting to today's decision, Meath West TD Aisling Dempsey said: "Meath County Council has decided not to grant the planning exemption under the Section 5 application. The unit in question was never a suitable location for accommodation of any kind.

"At this point, if the applicant wishes to pursue the project, they will need to obtain the property owner’s consent or purchase the property outright and then apply for full planning permission. A full planning application would allow for public consultation and input."

She went on to say that she had received further confirmation from the Minister for Justice, that there are currently no properties in the Trim area either under consideration or under contract with the Department’s International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) for use as international protection accommodation.

"This is consistent with the Government’s policy to move away from using community facilities to house international protection applicants. The goal is to transition to state-owned accommodation, which will help alleviate pressure on local community resources and centres," said Deputy Dempsey.

"A decision on a second, similar property is expected in June. Given its comparable nature, it is likely that Meath County Council will reach a similar conclusion."

The second application currently with council planners is a proposal by Secure Accommodation Management Ltd for a premises at Fairgreen, Summerhill Road, Trim to be used as an IPAS centre to house up to 180 international protection applicant. A decison on that application is due on 10th June.