Second IPAS centre proposal for Trim
A second proposal for an IPAS accommodation centre in Trim has emerged.
Secure Accommodation Management Ltd has made an application for a declaration of exempted development for a premises at Fairgreen, Summerhill Road, Trim to house up to 180 international protection applicants.
The application was received by Meath County Council on 13th May with details circulated to local councillors yesterday.
The development is described as accommodation for up to a maximum of 180 people seeking international protection and would provide indoor recreation, dining/kitchen rooms, reception area, toilets, showers and circulatory areas along with office space and staff facilities. A decision is due on 10th June.
It is understood the premises located to the rear of buildings fronting on to the Summerhill Road, in the town.
Local councillor Noel French, who posted details of the application on his Facebook page last night, has said the premises is "not suitable for human habitation".
"This building is not suitable for human habitation. It has an asbestos roof. Nobody is being accommodated anywhere that has an asbestos roof. I'm told the buildings are very old and would therefore require a huge amount of work. It is a site with limited outside space as well. It is really not fit for human habitation."
He once again raised the point that IPAS centres are being applied for under section five exemptions which do not allow councillors or members of the community have their say and that this is in breach of national guidelines that there should be consultation in relation to IPAS centres.
"I hope the council planners will deem this a development and subject to planning permission and if it is then people will have their say".
Meath County Council is currently considering a separate section five exemption application by Erin Park Limited for an IPAS Centre at an industrial unit in the Oaktree Business Park, with a decision due on that application on 30th May.
However since the application was made, the owners of the building, have 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.