Campaign in Limerick to close planning loophole around IPAS properties

COUNCILLORS are to push for the closing of a loophole which allows properties to be converted into accommodation for international protection applicants without planning permission.

Fine Gael councillor Greg Conway wants to see other members join him in his bid to write to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Housing Minister James Browne to end the exemption.

“Under the emergency planning act, you could de-list a commercial building and use it for accommodation. My problem with this is - and I see it locally - the conditions people are living in. In some cases, they are really poor,” said the councillor, who leads the Cappamore-Kilmallock district.

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“What I want Government to do is to change the planning guidelines around IPAS centres so they are in tow with regular planning guidelines,” he added.

Effectively, what this change would mean is that a developer wishing to convert buildings would need to apply to council, with groups and individuals allowed the chance to send letters of objection or support.

A decision would then be made by council, but this could be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

As things stand, a developer just needs to notify a council they are doing the work, and it can only be challenged in limited cases.

Cllr Conway has seen an instance of a young family living in a former structure for livestock in rural Limerick.

“They (the developer) only knocked a hole and put a door in, knocked a hole and put a window in. The roof has collapsed, and instead of replacing the roof, they’ve covered it with sheets of galvanised steel and taped off the top of the edge of the roof with sticky tape. And there’s a family with young children living in there,” he said.

“You have people making a lot of money out of this. This is not for one minute anti-migrant. It’s for the health and safety of these migrants,” the councillor said.

It’s anticipated Cllr Conway’s motion will be heard at the monthly meeting of Limerick’s local authority, which was adjourned last week amid a row between Mayor John Moran and Príomh Chomhairleoir Catherine Slattery. A new date had yet to be set this Tuesday lunchtime.