IPAS capacity in Ballyhaunis remains unchanged

Minister of State Alan Dillon (Fine Gael), Paul Lawless TD (Aontú) and Cllr Alma Gallagher (Fine Gael)

placeholder image — Minister of State Alan Dillon (Fine Gael), Paul Lawless TD (Aontú) and Cllr Alma Gallagher (Fine Gael)

Minister addresses community concerns over recent planning application

Minister of State Alan Dillon has moved to allay concerns in Ballyhaunis after addressing queries from residents and public representatives regarding a recent planning application and its potential link to international protection accommodation.

The clarification comes amid ongoing political tensions in Mayo over IPAS accommodation, with Aontú TD Paul Lawless and Aontú Cllr Deirdre Lawless previously clashing with local Fine Gael councillors over claims the town was being "run down."

The Minister confirmed he raised the matter with departmental officials and received a response from Minister Colm Brophy outlining the position of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

The Department's Community Engagement Team confirmed that no new offer of additional capacity has been received, and the Department is not considering any further properties in Ballyhaunis at this time.

Minister Brophy clarified that planning applications are a matter for the local authority and property owners, and do not indicate any intention by the Department to contract a property for IPAS use.

Minister Dillon stressed the importance of transparency and assured residents that he will continue to engage with Councillor Alma Gallagher, community leaders, and the Department to ensure clear communication on any future proposals.

"I want to reassure the people of Ballyhaunis that no new capacity is being sought at this time," Minister Dillon said. "Planning applications are independent processes and do not automatically signal Departmental involvement."