Plans to house asylum seekers at the former paint factory in Coolock, north Dublin, have been abandoned.
Violent protests erupted at the site last summer following the Government’s announcement that it was exploring the possibility of establishing an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre there.
In a letter sent to local representatives today, the Department of Justice confirmed it is no longer pursuing the Coolock site for accommodating international protection applicants, according to RTÉ.
The department’s community engagement team cited prolonged planning delays as a key reason for abandoning the proposal. “The prolonged nature of this particular proposals progress through development and planning stages have been significant factors in the decision to discontinue the appraisal of this offer,” the letter stated, as reported by RTÉ.
Addressed to TDs, Senators, and Councillors, the letter further explained that multiple factors influenced the decision. “All offers of international protection accommodation are appraised according to a range of factors, including the site and its potential, value for money to the State, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards,” it noted, according to RTÉ. The letter also highlighted additional considerations, such as “location and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and well-being, and the current level of need in the sector,” RTÉ reported.
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