Courts / Westmeath / Report
State concedes councillor's challenge over plan to tent 1,000 male asylum seekers on Athlone site
Summary
The Government has conceded a High Court challenge brought by Cllr Paul Hogan against a plan to house approximately 1,000 male asylum seekers in Athlone. At the hearing, Oisin SC, representing Mr. Hogan, informed Mr Justice Richard Humphreys that the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability and Youth conceded the case, stating the development would be classified as unauthorised. Ms Aoife Carroll SC, for the State, indicated the matter could be put in for mention on Thursday, pending instructions from the Minister. Mr. Hogan, who secured 4.8 per cent of first preference votes in the recent General Election, alleged the ministerial process was unlawful, irrational, and breached fair procedures. The challenge was supported by Athlone-based representatives, including TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, councillors Frankie Keena and Aengus O'Rourke of Fianna Fáil, and John Dolan of Fine Gael. Mr. Hogan sought to pause or quash the statutory instrument that confirmed the project did not require An Bord Pleanála approval and that specific EU environmental assessments were unnecessary. He claimed the Minister failed to adequately screen for environmental impacts, citing deficiencies in wastewater and traffic assessments, and argued the plan would cause significant traffic hazards and health and safety issues. He further alleged a lack of prior consultation with local councillors and that the development would be prejudicial to public health. Minister for Integration Roderick O'Gorman had contested the case. The matter was adjourned for mention on Thursday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: State concedes councillor's challenge over plan to tent 1,000 male asylum seekers on Athlone site. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- October 7 Other
- 2024-12-16 Publication
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