Residents welcome pause Thornton Hall plans as judicial review granted

The residents of Coolquay and surrounding areas have welcomed the decision to revoke the ministerial order regarding the proposed IPAS centre at Thornton Hall.

Plans to open Thornton Hall in North Co Dublin to house up to 1,000 male asylum seekers is now under question following an application to the courts by local residents to stop the project.

It was announced earlier this year that the 156-acre site, owned by the Department of Justice would be utilised for “emergency-style” tents due to the ongoing accommodation crisis.

The high court granted a Judicial Review based on critical environmental concerns, including flooding, aircraft noise, insufficient wastewater and sewage facilities, and pollution.

Local representatives in Meath had voiced their concerns about the plans and the potential pressure on already squeezed resources with Thornton Hall being in such close proximity to Ashbourne and Ratoath .

A spokesperson for the resident's group said:

"Community members have expressed their frustration over the past five months as

government ministers and representatives repeatedly stated in the media that a community engagement team was working with locals.

"Despite numerous meetings, not a single question from residents was answered, leaving many feeling unheard and dismissed."

Frustrated by the lack of engagement, the community felt they had no other choice but to initiate local fundraising efforts to finance legal action.

Since raising their concerns last May, residents have highlighted significant environmental issues that they felt were ignored by the relevant authorities.

The government's decision is seen as a validation of their ongoing opposition to the development of this site.

"A key environmental concern in these proceedings is the illegal divergent flight paths from the North Runway at Dublin Airport, which differ significantly from the originally approved flight paths," said the spokesperson.

"The associated noise exposure has severe health impacts, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues," they added.

"The recent draft decision by An Bord Pleanála, to grant extended night-time use of the North Runway, compounds the noise impacts even further, and as a result, Thornton Hall house is now in a noise area that qualifies for sound insulation. According to the WHO, this level of exposure 'is considered increasingly dangerous for public health'. Thornton Hall is clearly not suited for tented and modular dwellings."

The Coolquay Community is strongly advocating for transparency regarding the Thornton Hall project. They are calling on government officials to provide a detailed account of taxpayer funds spent to date on the project, especially in light of what they identify as the "serious deficiencies" of the site. The community's demands include not only clarity on spending but also accountability from the officials or agencies responsible for approving and financing a site they consider fundamentally unsuitable.

"The Community urges government officials to engage in meaningful dialogue moving forward and to prioritise the concerns of residents in future planning processes," they concluded.