Rosslare Harbour IPAS proposal goes before An Bord Pleanala

By Dan Walsh at Special Meeting of Wexford County Council

A proposal to convert the old Great Southern Hotel building at St. Martin’s Road, Rosslare Harbour into accommodation for persons seeking international protection (an IPAS Centre) and to consider if it is classed as “an exempted development” came before a Special Meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn, Wexford, today (Wednesday).

Three motions were listed, but all three were rejected and not open for discussion following legal advice taken by Wexford County Council. Cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming was in the chair.

The Council claims it first received a complaint of unauthorised development at St. Martin’s Road in early November 2023. The Council arranged for a site inspection and having regard to the findings of same a Warning Letter was issued on November 10^th, 2023, to the developer pursuant to Section 152 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

On November 15^th, Deputy Verona Murphy issued an application for a Section 5 Referral on behalf of The People of Rosslare Harbour, and in a written reply, it was stated that the Council’s preference was to have the direction from An Board Pleanala on the issue.

Minister Roderick O’Gorman has written to Wexford County Council on November 21^st to confirm that he will not enter a contract until the planning matters referred by Wexford County Council to An Bord Pleanala are concluded. No timeline was mentioned, but there is a general feeling in the Rosslare Harbour district that it will “be sooner rather than later!”

Chief Executive Tom Enright welcomed a deputation from Rosslare Harbour to the Council Chamber and he assured them that “the Council will continue to work in the best interests of their community.”

Cllr Lisa McDonald proposed a motion calling for “a united and dignified way forward”, Cllr Jim Moore seconded. There was strong support from the meeting for the people of Rosslare Harbour, who were represented in the chamber and staged a peaceful protest outside the Council buildings as the members arrived for the special meeting.