Department rules out IPAS centre plans for Roscommon Town

Plans for a controversial IPAS centre in Roscommon Town have been ruled out by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

In a statement to the Herald, a spokesperson for the Department said it had received an offer of accommodation for Academy House in Goff Street "but this is no longer under consideration."

“All offers of international protection accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure. Factors in the appraisal of international protection accommodation include the site and its potential, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.

“Consideration is also given to the location regarding access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector,” said the spokesperson.

Earlier this year, Roscommon County Council turned down a planning application for a proposed centre when the applicant sought a 'Class 20F Exemption' to accommodate people seeking international protection.

This exemption allows the temporary use of certain structures for accommodating or supporting persons seeking international protection.

The case is currently with An Coimisiún Pleanála, formerly An Bord Pleanála, for adjudication.

It is uncertain what the status of this application will now be following the decision by the Department of Migration to turn down the offer to use the building.

As it currently stands, An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to make a decision on the case by August 18th.