Belmont to reopen as a hotel - Mayo councillor told after seeking clarity on future use
THE owners of the Belmont Hotel property in Knock are committed to operating it as a hotel for the tourism trade, a meeting of Mayo County Council has heard.
The update was given following a query for clarity over local concern that the property will be turned into an IPAS centre.
Councillor Deirdre Lawless tabled a motion calling on the council to write to the Minister for Integration and his department to confirm in writing what their plans are for the Belmont Hotel.
'Will the minister confirm in writing that this building will not be used or considered in future as an IPAS centre or as asylum accommodation?' she asked in her motion.
She also sought confirmation that a prior council agreement with the hotel to house Ukrainian migrants is null and void now.
Councillor Lawless received support for her motion, with requests for better communication with communities and the removal of Section 5 declarations that negate the need for planning permission for accommodation.
Director of services Tom Gilligan said there was no agreement. The owners had initially looked in relation to using the hotel, but they have committed, as far as he is aware at this stage, to turning it into a hotel for the local tourism trade.
A banner has been put up to say the hotel is coming soon, he added.
Councillor Lawless said she is constantly being asked what is happening with the property. Deputy Paul Lawless, she said, had asked questions in the Dáil but received no answers.
She wanted transparency and for the minister to confirm in writing that it will not be considered into the future.
A motion was passed previously when Paul Lawless was a member of the council to revoke Section 5, which allows centres to bypass planning laws. It is unjust, she said, that property developers can avail of this clause whereas an ordinary person must apply for planning.
Had the department been contacted about this motion, she asked, and if no challenge has been made, why not.
Councillor Michael Loftus said an answer is needed from the Department of Justice. There are developers making a fortune on the unfortunate circumstances of people in the community and he questioned how many Section 5 applications have come before the council.
Councillor Gerry Coyle said people shouldn't be putting out reports stirring confusion and causing anxiety in the community.
There needs to be more transparency, agreed Councillor Alma Gallagher. Without it, a vacuum of hysteria is created and there is a lot of kite-flying. “We need more engagement.”
The Section 5 exemption loophole needs to be reviewed nationally, Councillor Marie Therese Duffy commented. There is a lot of profiteering all over Ireland, and a lack of information among communities.
Director of services Catherine McConnell explained that Section 5 is a declaration, not a permission, sought for a variety of uses.
In this case it asks if a building is used for this purpose, will it be exempt. It's not a grant of permission.
It is not an obligation to seek one but a 'comfort' and as far as she knew, if you go to the department with a proposal, they will look for a Section 5 declaration.