Enforcement notice issued to IP accommodation developer

Westmeath County Council has issued an enforcement notice to the developer of accommodation for international protection (IP) applicants in Coole.

It is understood that the enforcement notice relates to a development under construction on land next to Coole Court, which has housed around 100 IP applicants since late last year.

Footage posted on social media last month showed what appeared to be the foundations of 17 modular homes on the site. When contacted by the Westmeath Examiner, the Department of Integration said that it “can only confirm use of a premises if a contract has been signed”.

Deputy Robert Troy told the Westmeath Examiner on April 12 that he had been informed that modular pods to house families seeking International Protection were being installed.

However, more than a month later, Deputy Troy says that in meetings with both representatives from the Department of Integration's community engagement team and Minister for Integration Roderic O'Connor, he has been repeatedly told that there are no plans to house any more IP applicants in the village.

“Certain elements of accommodation provision are exempt [from planning], providing accommodation for temporary asylum seekers, who are Ukrainian people. Planning is exempt for the state or for someone acting as an agent for the state,” Deputy Troy said yesterday.

“What he is doing in Coole will be exempt if it is for Ukrainians at the behest of the state. If it is, he will have to show how he meets that exemption and the only way he can do that is by showing he has a contract with the state.”

Deputy Troy says that the IP applicants currently living in Coole have integrated well with the wider community. Praising local people for the welcome afforded to their newest neighbours, Deputy Troy believes that the village is “at its capacity”.

“The community has been very welcoming and the people are living in good quality accommodation in Coole Court. It's working very well but you could create an imbalance that could tip the social cohesion of a community.

“What we need to do is avoid a tipping point. People with legitimate fears haven't been taken seriously and have been accused of being far right. We need to make sure that there is a right mix in areas.

“People seeking asylum need to have their applications processed efficiently and fairly. Those who have legitimate applications should be given the chance to start a new life and those with illegitimate claims should be returned to their country of origin.

“People need to have confidence and faith in the system.”