Unauthorised Development Case Lodged Against Use Of House In Newbridge For Asylum Seekers

Friday, 24 May 2024 15:17

By Martin Osborne

There have been claims that the house lacks planning permission and fire certification.

An "unauthorised development case" has been lodged against the proposed use of a house in Pairc Mhuire in Newbridge that is to be used to accomodate twelve International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).

Kildare South Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has raised concerns over IPAS’s impact on the local residential market and has called into question the legality of the housing plan.

She claimed that there is a lack of proper planning permission and fire certification for the proposed development.

According to O’Loughlin, the house, 1577 Pairc Mhuire, does not meet legal requirements for accommodating twelve International Protection Applicants (IPA).

She said the proposed change from a domestic dwelling to multiple occupancy doesn’t fall under legal exemptions.

"It is my view that the proposed structure cannot be used for the accommodation of 12 IPA’s as it does not have a Fire Safety Certificate for that use, nor does it have commercial planning permission."

She added: "The proposed change of use from domestic dwelling to multiple occupancy is not covered by the exemption afforded by SI 376 of 2023. The change of use from dwelling to multiple occupancy would also require a Disability Access Certificate and compliance with the BCAR process."

She said the issue is not about "who occupies the house in the question...But it is a matter of safety, fairness and due process.”

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