Second property in Laois village gets planning approval for IPAS use

Plans to convert a pub and guesthouse for use as asylum accommodation have been conditionally approved by Laois County Council. 

It’s the second such plan to be approved for a pub owner on the same street in Durrow in recent days. 

Marc Lennon sought permission for the development at Lennon's Bar, Mary Street, Durrow in July last year. The application, along with a similar application for Peader’s Bar, prompted local residents to hold public meetings in Durrow. The plan attracted 140 submissions. 

READ ALSO: Durrow pub gets planning approval for IPAS use

It sought to change the use of the existing pub and guesthouse accommodation for use for people seeking international protection under the IPAS(International Protection Accommodation Services) Scheme. 

The plan included the change of use of the existing ground floor bar and private accommodation on the first floor for use as accommodation on both ground floor and first floor, comprising of 10 bedrooms and a kitchen dining area and communal living area.  It also included bathrooms,  showers.  

“There is also small study/communal space on the first floor of 6.5m2) 4) New laundry room to the rear comprises of an area of 12.5 sq,m, and covered canopy area, store area comprising of an area of 11.91 sq.m, and refuse area of 7.79 sq.m,” the plans state. 

Laois TD Brian Stanley and Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley lodged a joint submission raising concerns about the plans. They said: “The Applicant states that the purpose of these applications and change of use is to cater for "IPAS Centres." For clarity, the Department of Justice and Home Affairs have stated quite categorically both verbally and in writing that they are not seeking any IPAS accommodation in this area. We therefore contend that these applications may be invalid.”

In his submission, Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming asked the Council to consider the cumulative effect of the two developments on the village. He also said the wording of the application was misleading as approval doesn’t automatically mean the building can used to house those seeking asylum.  

“I have been in direct contact with the senior official in the Department of Justice over the Integration Section who has confirmed directly on Monday 11th August 2025 that, no application has been received in respect of an IPAS centre in Durrow nor is there any decision to grant one and in the event of planning permission being granted it does not mean that the Department will engage in a contract for an IPAS centre with the owner of these buildings,” Deputy Fleming stated.

Durrow Community Council asked the Council to consider the scale and suitability of the plans, the traffic implications, zoning, the social and environmental implications and what they said was the lack of public consultation in relation to the plans.  

“While I acknowledge the need for national solutions to humanitarian issues, developments of this scale and nature should be appropriately sited with full transparency, respect for local planning policy, and adequate community input. I respectfully request that this application be refused,” wrote Mary Monahan on behalf of the group. 

A planning report compiled and submitted on behalf of Mr Lennon states that: “It is noted that the property has remained vacant since permission was granted for guesthouse/hotel use in 2023. It is considered that allowing this proposed use will allow the reuse of this now vacant public house located in a town centre location.”

“The subject property is currently vacant and requires a modification of the provisionally permitted Guesthouse/Hostel to permit the accommodation of the IPAS residents. In terms of adding vitality and viability to the Village, it is considered that what is proposed is very much a low-density scheme that will provide 30 no. bed spaces for residents within this building, thus adding to the population of the town and bringing more vitality by allowing for the sustainable growth of the village centre. The location of this accommodation in the town centre allows for the positive use of a vacant building with a permitted residential/guesthouse/Hostel use presently. The location allows for residents to avail of all the local services, such as schools, church, convenience services,” the planning report states. 

“The site is zoned Objective ‘Town Centre’ in the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027.The stated objective for Town Centre/Village Centre Sites/building is to “To protect and enhance the special physical and social character of the existing town centre and to provide for and improve retailing and commercial activities” It is considered that the reuse of this now vacant building is wholly in compliance with the stated Town Centre land use zoning,” the planning report adds. 

In Laois County Council’s planning report the applicant is asked if IPAS contracts are in place. The applicant replied and said it was their understanding that planning permission was required before they could apply. 

Laois County Council’s planner stated that “it is considered that the proposed development would be compliant with the provisions of the Laois County Development Plan 2021-2027 with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”. 

Laois County Council sought further information in relation to the plans last September. They approved the plan subject to 15 conditions on March 25, 2026.