"Fear Is Natural": Maynooth Teacher Defends Community Concern At Kilcock IPAS Meeting

“As has been said before, Ireland is a very caring place... but it is simple numbers. There is too many people fighting for resources. And it is simple maths," he said.

A Maynooth-based secondary school teacher, Aidan Corkery, has voiced concerns tonight at a public meeting in Kilcock, where residents gathered to discuss the possible conversion of the former Shalom Nursing Home into an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre.

Aidan Corkery addressed the meeting, describing what he sees as a growing pressure on communities.

“I'd like to speak on behalf of what's happening to ordinary people in this country. The social contract has been broken,” he said.

He expressed sadness over recent developments, telling those present: “I'm so upset for the people of Ireland, for the people of Kilcock. I never thought it would get to this.”

While acknowledging Ireland’s tradition of compassion, he pointed to what he described as a numerical challenge.

“As has been said before, Ireland is a very caring place... but it is simple numbers. There is too many people fighting for resources. And it is simple maths," he said.

Corkery also touched on political disillusionment and a sense of uncertainty.

“But we all have to make a decision. What we do next. Who we vote for. Because I have voted for Fine Gael all my life. I am politically homeless.”

“I am scared for the future in terms of what happens here,” he said.

“There is fear and it's okay to be scared. I'm sick of being told you're fear-mongering. It's a natural thing. It's happening.”

He emphasised that his contribution was not part of any organised political movement.

Referring to local representative, Corkery called out to a familiar face, Fianna Fáil Kildare North TD Naoise Ó Cearúil

“I know you. I played football with you. I expected you here today.”

In a statement to some locals, Deputy O Cearuil said he has been "actively engaging with the relevant authorities" from the outset, including direct contact with Kildare County Council and the Department of Justice.

He also confirmed that he spoke personally with Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy on the issue last night.

Minister Brophy confirmed this evening that his Department has received an application concerning the Kilcock convent site. However, Deputy O Cearuil stressed that this remains an application only, and is not indicative of any final decision.

“I have made it very clear that this site raises serious concerns. It is on the same campus as a primary school, it is a protected structure, and as an older building, it may not be suitable for this type of use.”

The public meeting took place amid growing local concern about activity at the protected site, formerly run by the Presentation Sisters and closed in 2023 due to low occupancy.

An application has been lodged under Section 5 of planning regulations, seeking exemption from full planning permission to use the building for IPAS accommodation.

What is confirmed is that a Section 5 Exempted Development application was lodged on May 15th by Frostbreak ULC - a recently formed company.

Kfm understands that one of the directors has involvement in many projects involving boutique housing schemes, luxury apartments, and residential communities, though they have also signalled interest in hospitality.

Their directorships range from substantial development firms to small newly-formed entities.

The application, seen by Kfm, seeks clarification under Class 20F of planning regulations - asking whether the use of the building to accommodate International Protection Applicants qualifies as exempt from full planning permission.

A Class 20F declaration covers use-change for up to 5 years, under planning exemptions.

Any building works beyond internal reconfiguration (e.g. structural works) may still require full planning permission.

A refusal would compel Frostbreak ULC to pursue full planning or abandon/refocus the project depending on Kildare County Council's decision which is expected within the next week.