Developers scope out plans for new asylum-seeker accommodation hub in Limerick

DEVELOPERS are exploring the potential of turning a city centre hospital into accommodation for asylum-seekers.

Bon Secours, which took over Barrington's Hospital for a reported €15m, has confirmed it will move out of its landmark premises at George’s Quay in favour of a new €190m hospital on the edge of the city.

The new facility at Ballysimon is expected to open later this year.

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Earlier this year a spokesperson for Bon Secours confirmed an agreement was reached to sell the protected structure - in operation as a hospital since 1829.

Now, NKF Limited has been given permission by the chief executive of the Bon Secours Health System, Bill Maher, to engage with Limerick City and County Council on the future use of the building.

Registered in the British city of Birmingham, NKF's activities are listed as “buying and selling of its own real estate, and other letting and operation of its own or leased real estate”.

It has contacted the local authority in relation to a plan to change the use of the limestone building - known locally as Barrington's - from a hospital to “temporary accommodation for displaced persons seeking international protection”.

The company was seeking a declaration from the local authority under section five of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

If granted, it would have meant it would not have had to apply for full planning permission to transform the hospital into accommodation for asylum-seekers.

Decisions like these are often sought to avoid the delays associated with submitting formal planning applications, with this planning process used to open a number of International Protection Accommodation Service centres across the country.

NKF sought a declaration as to whether the plan to house asylum-seekers in the hospital, once it closes, “is or is not exempted development.”

Council planners have ruled that the works would constitute development, because the changes “would materially affect the character of the structure and of elements of the protected structure which contribute to its character and special interest.”

The development firm can still appeal against this decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála, formerly An Bord Pleanala, to avoid having to make a formal planning application. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said no offer had been received in relation to international protection accommodation in relation to the hospital site.