Meath County Council seeking review of planning exemptions for International Protection accommodation
Meath County Council is set to write to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration requesting a review of planning exemptions currently in place for properties used to accommodate International Protection Applicants (IPAs).
At the September meeting, councillors argued that the exemptions, which allow certain developments to bypass the standard planning process, are creating “mistrust in communities” and raising questions of “fairness and transparency.”
The motion, tabled by Councillor Emer Tóibín and subsequently amended, asks the Minister to “review all planning exemptions currently in place for properties being used to accommodate International Protection Applicants, so that such properties are subject to the standard planning process in line with all other forms of development and use."
Cllr Tóibín’s original motion sought the withdrawal of planning exemptions, highlighting what she described as “loopholes that allow IPAS accommodation providers to bypass the planning process.”
Speaking at the meeting, she said: “Right now, we have a completely inequitable situation where developers—building centres at enormous cost to the State—are being permitted to circumvent planning laws that every ordinary person must follow.”
“It is outrageous that this has been allowed to happen. Families who are simply trying to build homes are tied up in endless restrictions and delays. I spoke with one family last week who have been waiting years for planning permission, carrying huge financial burdens while their rent has doubled in the past year.”
She added: “The planning process is a cornerstone of our democracy: it ensures communities are informed, consulted, and that local infrastructure can cope with change.”
“Fairness, transparency, and consistency must be at the heart of planning. At present, properties used to accommodate International Protection Applicants can benefit from planning exemptions not available to families, businesses, or voluntary organisations. That is not a sustainable or fair approach.”
The Aontú councillor said the motion was not intended to oppose accommodation for those seeking international protection but to ensure “the same rules apply to all developments.”
Fine Gael councillor Yemi Adenuga, who seconded the amended motion, said the review is needed to ensure “equitable planning practices.”
“I believe every person seeking safety deserves to be treated with dignity, and I also believe dignity must extend to the communities that welcome them,” she said.
“Right now, the planning exemptions in place are creating deep mistrust. People see buildings suddenly repurposed, with no consultation, no transparency, and no chance for local voices to be heard. This fuels division, resentment, and sometimes hostility. None of that helps integration, and none of it is fair.”
“Proper planning isn’t about blocking progress—it’s about ensuring standards, safety, and sustainability. It allows us to ask: Is this building suitable? Do we have the schools, transport, and healthcare to support both new residents and existing ones? These are sensible, necessary questions.”
“When people feel consulted, they feel respected. And when they feel respected, they are far more likely to welcome new neighbours with open arms.”
The amended motion now calls for a review rather than an outright withdrawal of exemptions. However, Aontú councillor Dave Boyne said he supported the original motion and that “any planning exemptions be revoked until it goes through proper planning.”