An Coimisiún Pleanála to decide on Swiftcastle’s plans to expand Tipperary IPAS centre
Swiftcastle appeals council refusal amid local protests over loss of town hotel
Swiftcastle (Roscrea) Ltd has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála following Tipperary County Council’s refusal to approve plans for a significant expansion of its Direct Provision centre near Roscrea.
The operator had sought permission to add 60 bedrooms to the facility at Racket Hall, part of Ireland’s International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) network. The property, located on the R445 just outside the town, was converted from a hotel into a Direct Provision centre amid strong local opposition.
When the change of use was first announced, demonstrators gathered outside the property. Critics argued that Roscrea had lost its only functioning hotel while being asked to shoulder an outsized role in accommodating asylum-seekers.
The council cited several reasons for refusing planning permission, including that the site is not zoned or designated for residential use. Swiftcastle is now seeking to overturn the decision through the national planning authority.
Swiftcastle have now appealed the local authority ruling to An Coimisiún Pleanala in a bid to have the refusal overturned.