TD urges full review of proposed east Mayo IPAS Centre
Aontú Deputy Paul Lawless has voiced strong objections to a planning application submitted for a new International Protection Accommodation Services Centre in Ballyhaunis, citing serious concerns over the lack of community consultation, the strain on already-stretched local services, and the government’s failure to engage with residents.
Deputy Lawless confirmed that a formal submission has been lodged with Mayo County Council, and that he has also written directly to the Minister for Integration, urging a full review of the proposal, and calling for transparency around how locations are being selected for IPAS accommodation.
Deputy Lawless said: “Placing a large number of people in one small area without proper planning risks overwhelming local infrastructure."
The Deputy continued, “Ballyhaunis has always been a welcoming town, but we must be honest about capacity. Our local GP services are overstretched, school places are limited, the local garda station is effectively closed to the public and housing pressures are already immense.
"Adding additional demand without proper support will have a real and lasting impact on the whole community, including those seeking protection.”
The Aontú TD said he has been contacted by numerous residents who feel decisions are being made behind closed doors, and that public representatives have been left in the dark.
“We need a humane and practical approach; that means fair treatment for asylum seekers and fair treatment for local communities. One should not come at the expense of the other.”
“I am calling on the minister to pause any further progress on the proposal until a full local impact assessment and community consultation process is carried out. I am asking the Minster to meet with the local community, local stakeholders, and the chamber.
Deputy Lawless added: “The only beneficiary for government policy in Ballyhaunis is the IPAS operator. The town has been stripped of resources and services, and these need to be prioritised.”