Roscrea asylum centre expansion plans rejected by council amid local concerns

Plans to enlarge a controversial asylum-seekers’ accommodation centre in County Tipperary have been blocked by the local authority.

Swiftcastle, the operator of Racket Hall near Roscrea, had sought approval to add 60 bedrooms to the facility, which is part of Ireland’s system of International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). The hotel, located on the R445 outside the town, was converted into a Direct Provision centre despite vocal opposition from residents.

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When the change of use was first announced, demonstrators gathered outside the property. Critics argued that Roscrea was left without its only working hotel, while the town was asked to shoulder an outsized role in housing asylum-seekers.

The latest application would have significantly expanded capacity. Tipperary County Council, however, rejected the proposal, citing zoning rules. The site is not designated for residential development.

The decision underscores the tensions surrounding Ireland’s strained asylum system. Direct Provision, introduced two decades ago as a temporary measure, has long attracted criticism from rights groups and local communities alike. In Roscrea, the clash between national obligations and local planning rules has now produced another stalemate.

This situation shows how hard it is for Ireland to meet its responsibilities to asylum-seekers while also addressing local concerns. Without changes to planning and asylum policies, disputes like Roscrea’s will keep arising, helping neither local people or those seeking protection.

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