Ending planning exemption for IPAS would increase trust in planning process – Duffy

A loophole allowing the conversion of derelict or vacant properties into accommodation for international protection applicants without full planning permission needs to be closed, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Mark Duffy said, “The exemption as long as it exists will cause an ongoing breakdown in social cohesion and trust between communities, public representatives and local authorities.

“In every town and village in Ireland when work starts on any vacant or derelict building the immediate suspicion is that it would be used for International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) purposes.

“While not always the case, the lack of clarity for communities and local representatives is eroding trust and certainty. This is often fuelled by online agitators and some political representatives who use it for their own political gain.”

Senator Duffy says the planning process allows for a vacuum of certainty which would mean that communities are getting their information from verified and publicly available resources, rather than a worst-case scenario presented from unverified sources.

He said there needs to be a mechanism in place to dispel fears, which is currently not in place.

“As the numbers of arrivals in Ireland is reducing, now is the time to end this planning exemption. Currently it is being exploited by private speculators who have no humanitarian motivation, only a financial one.

“I’ve observed examples in Mayo where some property owners have been given a planning exemption and carry out works on buildings, without the certainty of a state contract. The developer then applies for planning retention, which changes the use of the property from IPAS to regular residential.”

Senator Duffy concluded by saying there are unintended consequences, which are undermining public faith in the planning process.

“It can be both difficult and expensive for couples to get through the planning process for their one-off forever home, and for developers with larger housing projects in towns.

“The double standards created by this planning exemption is pitting people against each other and creating a level of resentment in society, which is being preyed upon by those who exploit it online and in communities.”