Handover delays at former Wicklow IPAS centre draw scrutiny from PAC chair
The Wicklow PeopleSerious concern has been raised over the prolonged delay in returning the River Lodge facility in Newtownmountkennedy to the Health Service Executive (HSE), as questions grow about the significant sums of public money being spent on a site that has remained vacant since late 2024.
River Lodge was previously used as accommodation for people seeking international protection. The facility became the focus of national attention in April 2024 after a series of protests were held outside the site, some of which escalated into violent disorder.
These incidents prompted heightened security measures, including the deployment of private security personnel and Garda monitoring. The protests contributed to ongoing safety concerns and were a factor in the decision to maintain a security presence even after the site was vacated.
In December 2024, severe weather conditions made the on site tented structures unsafe, leading to the relocation of all residents. The tents were subsequently removed, and the building has remained empty ever since. Despite this, security has continued around the clock due to the history of protests and the risk of further disruption.
The HSE has now confirmed that the Department of Justice intends to return the property in the second quarter of 2026. However, the Department has stated that this timeline depends on restoration works being completed to a standard acceptable to the HSE. No definitive plans have been outlined for the building’s future use once the transfer takes place.
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, John Brady, has sharply criticised the lack of clarity surrounding the process.
He said the response from the HSE was “deeply concerning”, highlighting the absence of a concrete transfer date, the lack of detail on restoration works, and the absence of any confirmed future purpose for the site.
Deputy Brady has repeatedly raised concerns about the financial management of River Lodge, pointing to figures showing that more than €2.8 million was spent at the site in 2024. Despite operations ceasing in December of that year, a further €1.4 million was spent in 2025, including €1.3 million on security alone for a facility that has remained entirely empty.
He described the ongoing expenditure as “a kick in the teeth” to the people of Newtownmountkennedy and to citizens already struggling with the cost of living crisis. Deputy Brady also said the Government only moved to initiate the transfer back to the HSE after he publicly highlighted what he described as an “extraordinary level of waste”.
The Department of Justice has previously stated that it intends to return the site “as soon as possible”, but the lack of a firm date has fuelled the Wicklow TD’s frustration. The HSE has confirmed that it is awaiting further detail on the restoration works required before it can accept the property back into its portfolio.
As the projected handover date approaches, pressure is mounting on both the Department and the HSE to clarify their plans, outline the remaining work required, and ensure that further public money is not wasted on a facility that continues to lie idle.