Opposition builds in Kells to proposal for IPAS centre

A GROUP of protesters gathered outside a storage building in the Kells Business Park last Thursday night in protest at proposals to accommodate International Protection Applicants in the building.

A further protest was held on Saturday night with another one planned for this evening (Tuesday).

The protests came as councillors for the Kells Electoral area expressed their concerns about the project in a joint statement.

The councillors have raised concerns about the absence of adequate social infrastructure and amenities, the limited availability of medical, educational and other local services, environmental considerations, safety concerns for potential tenants, and the restricted supply locally of commercially zoned premises required for ongoing economic development.

The Department of Integration has confirmed it received an offer of international protection accommodation in relation to this property.

“We are in the early stages of carrying out an appraisal of the offer and no decision has been made in relation to this property,” a spokesperson said.

Meath County Council confirmed an application for a declaration of ‘exempted development’ had been lodged with the Council for works at the unit Kells Business Park consisting of “property upgrades to include conversion of existing industrial storage building into accommodation for use under SI 605 for International Protection Applicants.”

“The application is currently under consideration by the Council and a decision is due by 12th February,” a spokesperson said.

Members of Kells Municipal Council have voiced their concerns and requested the council to communicate their concerns to the Department.

In a joint statement the councillors said: “On Thursday, January 30th, Meath County Council advised the members of Kells Municipal District that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth was considering the use of a unit in Kells Business Park as an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) Centre.

“The councillors of Kells Municipal District subsequently met with the Director of Housing and the Area Manager to express their concerns regarding the proposal. Key issues raised included the absence of adequate social infrastructure and amenities, the limited availability of medical, educational and other local services, environmental considerations, safety concerns for potential tenants, and the restricted supply locally of commercially zoned premises required for ongoing economic development.

“Having received confirmation that the final decision on awarding a contract for the proposed centre lies with the Department, the Councillors requested Meath County Council to report their concerns directly to the Department.

“The councillors also stated their intention to contact their national elected representatives as these representatives are best positioned to provide guidance and engage with the Department on this matter.”

Deputy Peadar Tóibín has called on the government to ensure a full and proper consultation with local communities before any decision is made regarding the establishment of an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre in the park.

“The proposal has sparked concern among residents and business owners, with many questioning the suitability of the location.

“Meaningful engagement from the Department of Justice with the local community must take place before any decision is made.

“Yet again, we are seeing a top-down approach from the government when it comes to housing international protection applicants. The people of Kells have a right to be consulted on any major development that affects their community.

“Decisions like this should not be made behind closed doors, without transparency or proper dialogue with local residents and business owners.”

Deputy Tóibín emphasised that the concerns raised by the people of Kells must be taken seriously. Issues such as the suitability of the business park for residential accommodation, the impact on local services, number of doctors in the town, school places, the number of Gardaí, public transport and infrastructure, and the ability of the area to integrate people need to be addressed in an open and honest manner.

“This is not about opposing those in need of protection; it’s about ensuring that local communities are not left in the dark. There must be a fair and balanced approach, where both the needs of asylum seekers and the capacity of local communities are fully considered,” he continued.

Deputy Tóibín is urging the government to implement a “clear consultation process for all future IPAS accommodation decisions in order to prevent unnecessary confusion and frustration in communities across the country.”

Deputy Darren O’Rourke also questioned the choice of location for the IPAS accommodation.

“The idea that you would accommodate asylum seekers in a converted industrial unit at the back of a business park is not in keeping with proper planning, in my opinion.

“Similarly, and as is too often the case, there has been a lack of community consultation and assessment with this proposal. The proposal is based solely on the availability of a vacant property and a willing landlord.”