Planning sought for 'temporary accommodation' at former Ballina school site

A planning application has been lodged with Mayo County Council seeking permission for the use of the former St Mary’s Secondary School site in Ballina as temporary accommodation for displaced persons seeking international protections.

The application was lodged on Tuesday by CH Care limited and a decision on the application is due to be made on December 2, 2024.

The former St Mary’s site was used by the school until they moved into a new state-of-the-art facility nearby in September 2022. The site was then put up for sale privately and sold.

Local Fine Gael councillor and General Election candidate Mark Duffy said he has sought clarification on this development from the Taoiseach’s office and received the following statement in response: “IPAS has confirmed that this property is completely unknown to it. There has been no offer, no contact, nor any communication in relation to this property. The provider on the application is not known to IPAS either.”

Cllr Duffy said he would not be in favour of this proposal.

“It is my opinion that Ballina has taken its fair share of IP applicants and I do not support this proposal.”

He added that this proposal had no connection with the old Sisters of Mercy Convent Building, currently being restored as part of a community project.

“It is important to note that the old historic Sisters of Mercy convent building is in community ownership and is entirely separate from the old St Mary’s Secondary School (often called the convent) which is in private ownership.”

“It is the private owner of the former school who has lodged this planning notice.”

The Western People has contacted the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for comment.