Controversial IPAS centre in Midlands town will not go ahead

Controversial plans to create an emergency accommodation centre (IPAS centre) in the centre of Thurles town will not go ahead.

A joint statement from Tipperary North Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry and his son, Thurles based Councillor, Micheál Lowry, says the plans, which caused great upset among the community of Thurles when announced last week, will not proceed.

"When we first learned of an application to accommodate displaced persons seeking international protection at a property located in Mitchel Street, Cllr. Micheal and myself immediately issued a statement stating clearly that this property was unsuitable for the intended purpose and that we would oppose the proposal.

"I gave an undertaking to establish the facts and decide on a course of action", Deputy Lowry said.

"Over the past few days I have had extensive interactions with the Minister, Dept Officials and the owner of Kilbrin Homes Ltd. I conveyed the absolute shock and dismay of the numerous people in the area who contacted us about this issue.

"I outlined a catalogue of valid and legitimate reasons as to why this proposal was unacceptable and should not proceed.

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"I’m pleased to confirm that after these discussions Kilbrin Homes Ltd. have agreed to withdraw their application. This property will not become an IPAS centre.

"Glad that our efforts on behalf of the community have been successful", the Lowry Team said.