Ryan O'Meara addresses controversial Section 5 planning exemption applications

Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary, Ryan O’Meara has provided an update in relation to both the Mitchel Street (the former Fitzgibbon’s Furniture Store) and Friar Street (Rosendale) properties in Thurles.

The planning decisions sparked controversy in Thurles last week over news that new emergency accommodation IPAS centres would be created in the town.

Speaking on this matter today, Deputy O’Meara said: “The purpose of a Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act is to establish if a particular development is or is not an exempted development within the meaning of the Act.

"The two declarations made recently by Tipperary County Council in relation to the properties on Mitchel St and Friar St in Thurles do not equate to a contract being signed with IPAS for accommodation provision.

“Since initial news emerged on Wednesday of this week, I have been in contact with the relevant Minister and agencies to receive an up-to-date report on the status of the Mitchel St application. I have learned that the first offer made for the Mitchel St premises was in mid-2024 and this offer did not progress.

"The offer was resubmitted in January of this year, with the S5 planning exemption approved this month. It is important to note that IPAS had not accepted the application before it was withdrawn by Kilbrin Homes Ltd as the application was only at a very early stage of consideration.

“I have also been informed that a previous offer was refused on the Friar St property at the end of February this year.

“In both cases, the properties have not been sought by the Department or IPAS. In both instances the properties were previously offered to the Department, and both were previously considered and did not progress.

“I first learned of these applications this week, the Mitchel St property on Wednesday and the Friar St property today, Friday. The information that I have to hand at the moment is as a result of my own direct enquiries to the relevant agencies.

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“I fully acknowledge the concern locally in Thurles with information being provided in a piecemeal manner. That is not acceptable in my view and only adds to confusion and concern.

“Facts matter in both cases and the public deserve to be informed. I will continue to work with the local Fianna Fáil team, and I will continue to seek current updates and share them with the public as I receive them,” Deputy O'Meara said.