Backlash to plan to house International Protection applicants in Trim industrial estate
There has been a strong criticism of a proposal to transform an industrial unit in a Trim industrial estate into accommodation for International Protection applicants.
A form by the name of Erin Park Ltd has applied to Meath County Council to transform the unit in the Oak Tree Business Park into a facility for international protection applicants similar to proposals quashed in other parts of the county.
A similar application in Kells was withdrawn last month following local concerns about its suitability.
A decision on the Trim application is due by the end of this month.
In its application, Erin Park Ltd stated: "The development consists of non material amendments to the façade, and an exempted change of use. The change of use for the structure in the context of this request for a declaration under Section 5 is for from commercial to its temporary use to accommodate persons seeking 'international protection' by or on behalf of the Minster for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, as defined by Section 2(1) of the International Protection Act 2015 (no.66 of 2015)"
Responding to the proposed change of use, Trim Cllr Dave Boyne, (Aontú) stated:
“As a county councillor for Trim, I am raising urgent concerns about a proposed International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre in the town. The facility is to be located in a building within an industrial estate—an unsuitable location by any reasonable standard. This development has come without consultation, transparency, or regard for the serious infrastructural and community challenges it poses”.
“Trim has suffered from critical water outages consistently over the past three years. Our current infrastructure is barely able to support the existing population. We have major problems with the lack of doctors in the town and the lack of Gardaí. This town is at breaking point on a range of different key services”.
“The proposed building itself is highly inappropriate. It is not suitable for families or children to live in. The building contains no kitchen facilities and just one toilet, which is grossly inadequate for the number of residents expected. This is not a humanitarian solution—it’s a shortcut at the expense of vulnerable people and local community welfare”.
“Even more troubling is the complete absence of consultation with elected representatives or the local population. I only became aware of this plan on 2nd May, with a decision set to be finalised by 30th May. This leaves little time for public input and reinforces the perception that proper planning laws are being selectively applied. While ordinary citizens and businesses must adhere to rigorous planning requirements, this project seems to bypass them entirely”.
Speaking at the proposed site, Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín demanded the Minister for Justice to come to the next meeting of the Trim Municipal Council and engage with the people of Trim.
"There is absolutely no engagement at all. Its not good enough. We also urge the Department of Integration, Meath County Council, and all relevant authorities to immediately pause this proposal until a full public consultation and independent site suitability review can be completed”.