New councillor brands reports linking him with proposed IPAS centre as “hurtful”
Permission is being sought to avail of a 'Class 20F Exemption' to accommodate people seeking international protection at Academy House, Goff Street, Roscommon Town.
Newly co-opted councillor, Michael Holland, has said social media reports linking him with a company behind plans for a controversial IPAS centre in Roscommon Town were “hurtful”.
At today’s plenary meeting of the council, the Independent councillor from Ballintubber said reports on social media linking him as a director of the company behind the proposed IPAS centre were “hurtful”.
Cllr Holland said he wanted to provide clarity and outlined that he had no “hand, act or part" in that proposal.
Earlier today, the new councillor was ratified as a replacement for the late Cllr Anthony Waldron at a special council meeting.
The issue of the controversial IPAS centre plans was raised initially at today’s plenary meeting by Fianna Fáil councillor Marty McDermott.
“There has been a lot of talk and speculation about the proposed IPAS Centre especially in different forms of the media but I have been waiting for the proper forum to raise this,” he said.
He thanked the Cathaoirleach and party colleague, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, for allowing him to raise the issue under any other business at today's meeting.
"I contacted the Cathaoirleach 10 days ago asking could this be put under AOB today," he said.
Cllr McDermott believed that the local authority made the correct decision to reject the original planning application for the centre.
The councillor acknowledged that the matter was now with An Bord Pleanála for adjudication, and responding to his query, the council informed him today that it had received no correspondence in relation to the issue.
Permission is being sought by the applicant to avail of a 'Class 20F Exemption' to accommodate people seeking international protection at Academy House, Goff Street, Roscommon Town.
This exemption allows the temporary use of certain structures for accommodating or supporting persons seeking international protection.
An Bord Pleanála told the Herald that it intends to determine the case before August 18th this year.
