More than 100 residents sign objection to IPAS planning application in Ballyhaunis
Multiple residents in Ballyhaunis have lodged objections to a proposed International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre in the town.
The application, submitted by private developer Bridgestock Care Limited, seeks to build two residential blocks containing 16 units, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments.
The proposal has become a significant talking point, with representatives voicing their objection to the development on the grounds that there has been no engagement with Government departments regarding the private application.
Concerns have also been raised that Ballyhaunis is operating at capacity. The town’s population has grown considerably in recent years, and local representatives say that the already limited services are being stretched beyond their means.
At the December meeting of the Claremorris and Swinford Municipal District, Cllr Alma Gallagher confirmed that the Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce has submitted its formal objection.
“I hope that the planning section in the council will take note of the objections and the unified response from the people of Ballyhaunis,” she said.
The Chamber’s submission, uploaded to the Mayo County Council planning portal, has more than 100 signatures attached.
Prepared by Chamber President Tom Forde, Cllr Gallagher, Anne Cunnane and Tomas Murphy, the document raises multiple points of concern.
The primary concern is the additional strain that the 32 accommodation units would place on local services that are already under pressure.
The submission argues that sustainable growth in Ballyhaunis must follow a balanced approach that “ensures residents – both existing and new – can access the support they need to live safely and comfortably.”
It highlights that the town currently has no banking services, that the Credit Union operates on reduced hours, and that access to healthcare is limited, with many residents travelling outside the town for GP or dental appointments.
Garda station hours have also been significantly reduced, resulting in “virtually no visibility” in the town, and local schools, childcare facilities and recreational amenities are under increasing pressure.
Beyond the concerns regarding local services, the submission lists 10 planning and development issues, with a further six added in an attached addendum.
For example, the submission argues that part of the proposed site is zoned residential, and that the planned development therefore does not meet the criteria for that zoning under the Mayo County Council Development Plan 2022–2028.
It states that although the building footprints are within town centre zoning, much of the development, including landscaping, play areas, parking, and access routes, is situated on land that is zoned as residential.
The visual impact of the development is also highlighted, as the plans include two four-storey blocks on “one of the most elevated sites” in Ballyhaunis. The submission claims the buildings would “overshadow existing dwelling units and will dominate the skyline of the town.”
Other issues raised include inadequate car parking, bin storage, bicycle parking, vehicle-charging infrastructure, and private amenity space. The submission states that the units do not comply with the Planning Design Standards for Apartments 2025.
Traffic concerns are noted as well, with no road safety audit or traffic impact assessment included in the application.
The objection also raised concerns about the impact on protected structures at St Joseph’s Convent. It states that only a limited Heritage Impact Assessment was provided in the planning application.
Alongside the Chamber’s 123-page submission, Cllr Gallagher has also lodged a personal objection. A further 18 objections have been submitted to the Mayo County Council planning portal.
A decision on the application is due by Saturday, January 3, 2026.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.