Local Cllr. Mr Jim Ryan has confirmed that a planning exemption has been granted for the creation of an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre, to be accommodated on Mitchel Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
IPAS provides accommodation to people who have applied for international protection. It arranges accommodation and co-ordinates other services (including health, social services, welfare and education) for asylum seekers and people who have international protection.
In a post published on social media yesterday, (19/03/2025), Cllr Mr Jim Ryan stated that: “I can confirm that an application for an IPAS Centre for Thurles is progressing. A Section 5 permission has been granted by Tipperary County Council, to Kilbrin Homes in Cork, for exempted development status at an old commercial building in Mitchel Street. Based on initial drawings it looks like they will be constructing 15 internal units that can accommodate 81 people seeking IPAS accommodation.”
Note: To facilitate the full attendance of all stake holders; including officials and elected representatives, a meeting in relation to this matter, which was originally scheduled for Friday evening next, March 20th, has now been postponed until Thursday March 27th next, (this day week) starting at 7:30pm sharp in the Anner Hotel, Dublin Road, Thurles.
Unbelievably, Cllr Ryan has also revealed that this move has occurred without any consultation with local residents, their elected Councillors, TDs, Gardaí and other pertinent stakeholders.
Local residents and indeed residents of the whole town are dismayed and outraged that a development of this kind should progress without consultation with themselves and their elected Councillors.
Section 5 Exemption Declaration.
Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act outlines a mechanism through which individuals can seek formal clarification on whether a proposed development or a specific part of it would be considered exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission. This is a crucial tool for property owners, developers, and architects, as it provides legal certainty before proceeding with any development activities. Below is a summarised, detailed overview of Section 5 regarding exemptions from development.
Section 5 allows individuals to seek formal clarification from their local planning authority on whether a proposed development, or any part of it, is considered exempted development. This is particularly useful for ensuring that a project can proceed without the need for formal planning permission, provided it falls within the specified criteria for exemptions.
If the planning authority determines that the proposed development is exempt from planning permission, they will issue a declaration to that effect. This declaration provides legal assurance that the development can proceed without planning permission, subject to the conditions of the exemption.
Conversely, if the planning authority concludes that the proposed development does not qualify for exemption, they will inform the applicant that planning permission is required. This outcome ensures that all necessary regulatory and planning standards are met before the development proceeds.
Simply by obtaining a Section 5 declaration, same provides property owners and developers with legal certainty, reducing the risk of proceeding with a development that may later be deemed unauthorised due to the lack of planning permission.
This means that the developers will be able to convert the building without going through the usual planning processes.
In recent years, the residents of Mitchel Street have been subjected to the progression of developments that have brought significant problems to the area. Again, these developments progressed without consultation and unfortunately, it is the local residents of the area that have been forced to shoulder the brunt of serious difficulties that have arisen since. Tipperary County Council officials have been of little help.
It is fair to say that local residents are outraged, but the outrage stems from the lack of consultation on a development that will have an indisputable impact on this predominantly residential area of the town. Anyone who drives or walks along Mitchell Street will point out its many needs, least of all its narrow footpaths, that are frequently mounted by cars attempting to navigate the almost impassable narrow sections of the street.
As before, it will be the people of Mitchell Street and surrounding areas that once again will bear the brunt of any difficulties that may arise. It will not be the people who progress planning applications without consideration or consultation of those living nearby.
It is understood that no contract has yet been signed with the Department of Integration, but local Cllr Mr Jim Ryan states that plans indicate that there could be up to 80 asylum seekers housed at the identified site in the near future.
Important – Readers Please Note: Cllr. Mr Jim Ryan has confirmed that invitations to attend the public meeting have been issued to officials from the Department of Integration, representatives of the developer Kilbrin Homes Ltd and local elected TD’s.
Cllr. Ryan also has stated that he has seen a letter from the Department of Integration that was attached to the Section 5 Exemption application, that states they would be interested in signing an agreement with Kilbrin homes for accommodating IPAS applicants, once all relevant permits, permissions and licenses have been approved with the relevant bodies.
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