Update issued on plans for Ipas centre at former Limerick hospital building

CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert a former city centre hospital building into asylum seeker accommodation will not be going ahead.

That's according to Fianna Fail Senator Dee Ryan, who has received confirmation of the news from Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan.

Earlier this summer, Limerick Live revealed the listed building was under consideration to be used as a base for International Protection applicants.

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Developers NKF Limited has been given permission by the chief executive of the Bon Secours Health System, Bill Maher, to engage with Limerick City and County Council on the future use of the building.

It contacted the local authority in relation to a plan to change the use of the limestone building - known locally as Barrington's - from a hospital to “temporary accommodation for displaced persons seeking international protection”.

But now Ms Ryan has received confirmation from the Department of Justice that this proposal is off the table.

"There had been speculation about this so I am glad the issue can now be put to bed," the former Limerick Chamber boss.

In Mr O'Callaghan's letter to Ms Ryan, he said the level of need for Ipas accommodation is now stabilising.

More than 400 properties, including 12,000 tourism beds have already been returned to their previous uses in 2024.

Ms Ryan said her focus is now on ensuring that the building is brought back into productive use in a way that benefits the local community and resident of the city centre.

“This is an iconic site in the heart of Limerick. Rather than remaining idle or being used on a short-term emergency basis, we should explore opportunities to deliver real value for the community whether that’s through housing, cultural or community space, or another use that supports the ongoing regeneration of our city,” she said.

"Limerick is a great place to live and work. Spaces like Barrington’s Hospital could offer wonder resources to the community. I will work with my colleagues across Government and council to do this," she concluded.

The former Barrington's Hospital building was taken over by Bon Secours, which is moving to a state-of-the-art new-build hospital facility on the edge of Limerick in the coming days.

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice stated: "The department has not received an offer of international protection accommodation in relation to this property."