Mac Lochlainn: 'The right decision' was made to refuse Ballyliffin IPAS plans

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD said the “right decision” was made not to grant a planning exemption to the owners of the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin, to operate an IPAS centre.

Mac Lochlainn said Donegal County Council confirmed the decision on Thursday.

An email he received read: We also have the following confirmation from the government department: “Thank you for your email. The Community Engagement Team can confirm there has been no change since our previous update. The International Protection Accommodation Service did receive an offer in respect of the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin, but the property is no longer under consideration.”

Mac Lochlainn said: “This is the right decision and I am glad that all concerned have listened to the local community.”

A public meeting of concerned residents that was due to take place at St Mary’s Hall, Clonmany, to discuss concerns over the arrival of asylum seekers in Ballyliffin village, was subsequently cancelled.

Earlier in the week, before the planning exemption was not granted, Mac Lochlainn stressed his opposition to the proposal.

“I am aware of the application from the owners of the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin, to turn it into an IPAS Centre and I am totally opposed to it,” he posted. We are coping with a deep, defective block crisis, and Donegal has shouldered more centres for Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers than any other county.

“The owners are applying for a planning exemption to turn it into an IPAS Centre, and this may well be granted as thanks to government legislation, it’s a low hurdle to jump. They then need to secure a contract for an IPAS Centre from the government department. A few weeks ago, I received the following response from the government officials who deal with IPAS centres.”