Motion on IPAS accommodation to be tabled at meeting of Kilkenny County Council
Cllr Maurice Shortall stated that the 'current system is not fit for purpose'
Cllr Maurice Shortall (Ind) is set to table a motion relating to 'properties accommodating International Protection Applicants' at the next plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council (July 21, 2025).
The local councillor is requesting that the local authority "write to Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’ Callaghan to withdraw all planning exemptions for properties accommodating International Protection Applicants."
The motion continues: "This will ensure that all properties go through the normal planning process. Also to request
that the Community Engagement Team communicate with communities prior to signing of contracts for International Protection accommodation which will allow for full community engagement."
Cllr Shortall confirmed that the decision to table the motion was made "after listening to many constituents over the last twelve months."
"Ireland has a very rigorous planning system for simple planning applications, yet the government think it’s okay for wealthy developers to profit off people coming into this country," he said.
"The current system is not fit for purpose and gives advantage to make the rich richer."
Coverage of the plenary meeting will be provided here on Kilkenny Live and in next week's Kilkenny People.