Joint community statement issued on proposed new Mayo IPAS centre

A JOINT statement providing a community update on a proposed IPAS centre for Ballyhaunis town has been published today.

Local stakeholders are working on a submission to formally object to planning permission for the development.

The statement, shared by local Fine Gael Councillor Alma Gallagher on her social media, sets out the following:

Together with Anne Cunnane, CEO of Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce, Tom Forde, President of Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce, and Tomas Murphy, Community Activist, I wish to update residents on the progress of community actions regarding the proposed planning submission for an IPAS centre.

Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce is currently working with key stakeholders to formulate a detailed submission objecting to the proposed IPAS centre by Bridgestock Care Limited.

Once this submission is complete, it will be made available to all residents in Ballyhaunis to sign and show their support before the planning deadline on December 4th 2025.

Ballyhaunis has a proud and proven track record of harmonious integration and community cohesion. We are determined to continue in that spirit.

At the same time, the privacy, dignity, and respect of those currently residing in the existing IPAS centre - who are valued members of our community - must be fully upheld at this time.

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration have confirmed to us that no state accommodation contract has been sought by Bridgestock Care Limited, and no such request has been received. This proposal remains at the planning stage, and we are monitoring developments carefully in the best interests of Ballyhaunis and its residents.

Anne Cunnane, CEO Ballyhaunis Chamber

Tom Forde, President of Ballyhaunis Chamber

Tomas Murphy, Community Activist

Cllr. Alma Gallagher