'Very mysterious': calls for clarity on future of Ballina site
The former St Mary's Secondary School site at McDermott Street, Ballina.
Councillors in the Ballina Municipal District have called for clarity on the “very mysterious” situation involving redevelopment works at the site of the former St Mary’s Secondary School after it was rejected for use as emergency accommodation for International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS).
The issue also prompted calls for the Government to end measures allowing planning permission to be bypassed for the provision of IPAS centres.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth recently rejected a proposal to use the former St Mary’s site at McDermott Street as an IPAS centre and Cllr Annie May Reape said clarity is needed on what is happening at the site where work remains ongoing and security remains stationed. Her motion was seconded by Cllr John O’Hara.
“It is important the people living in the nearby (Convent Hill) know what is happening beside them. It is wrong they are not told,” Cllr O'Hara said.
Cllr Marie-Therese Duffy said there was a great deal of secrecy around the development.
“It is very mysterious, I have heard reports of machinery moving in there at 7am and it is having a huge impact for the residents,” she said. “The proposal for an IPAS centre was rejected but what is next? The people are still concerned about what is happening.”
Head of the municipal district Declan Turnbull said it is private property and the owners can do what they like as long as planning regulations are not breached.
“The premises is owned by a company in Dublin and they are entitled to carry out work because it is a private property.
“We have had no complaints or reports, it is all hearsay and conjecture. If there was activity going on outside of planning regulations, we would look into any complaints and refer them to the Planning Regulator.”
Cllr Jarlath Munnelly proposed that the council write to the Government to call for an end to temporary measures allowing proposed IPAS centres to bypass the normal planning permission process via a Section 5 Declaration.
“It needs to be revoked because you should need planning permission if you are building or redeveloping something within a town.
“This is allowing uncontrolled speculation and is allowing people to make a quick buck. This measure is making a mockery of our planning laws.
“People struggle to get planning for houses but you can work away under the guise of providing accommodation to displaced persons.”
A sign had been placed on the Convent Hill side entrance site stating it is the location for a proposed 105-bedroom nursing home and associated nursing accommodation under the company name St Mary’s Healthcare Ltd, however, Mr Turnbull further stated there were no live planning applications for this site.
