Meath councillors back council's rejection of exemption for IPAS centre in industrial unit
The application, submitted by Erinpark Ltd, sought a section five declaration for what it described as "non-material amendments to the facade" of Unit 29 in Oaktree Business Park, along with a change of use from commercial purposes to temporary housing for those seeking international protection.
Trim councillors supported the council's decision, emphasising the importance of proper regulatory scrutiny.
Councillor Ronan Moore said: "I didn't expect these exemption applications to – succeed. The reason being that these buildings are commercial or industrial in nature. To make them suitable for people to live in – and to meet requirements around disability access, fire safety, and building regulations – significant internal works would be needed. And in almost every case, this would also involve external alterations, and if external works are required then it cannot be considered exempt development.'
A separate application concerning a premises on Fairgreen in Trim is currently under review, with a decision expected by June 10.
Mr Moore added: "I would like to expect that the same logic will hold up in the second application in town due to be made by June 10. And that this too will not be granted exempted development. However, there is a deeper issue here and that is how the government has allowed private and commercial interests to drive the placement of IPAS centres.
"And as a result of this, no consideration appears to be given in the first instance to the needs and concerns of either the potential International Protection Applicants or the communities that are expected to welcome them. As a result, local towns and villages are for weeks left frustrated and uncertain as to what is happening in their community. This is simply not good enough."
Councillor Noel French also welcomed the outcome, stating he was 'glad' the exemption was denied.
'The building was not suitable for use as an IPAS centre and for use by human beings. The government should address the use of section 5s and reform the legislation,' he said.
In its decision, the planner pointed out that the applicant did not provide sufficient documentation about the proposed changes, including a lack of drawings to clearly outline the modifications to the facade.
The planner's report indicated 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".
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