A flood of social media posts alleging an influx of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation units in Drogheda town centre has been condemned by Senator Alison Comyn as ill-informed rumour.
The Drogheda-based Fianna Fáil rep says she was moved to get the accurate information from the department, as she was sick of the negative gossip flooding social media in recent weeks.
“At one stage, it was reported online as gospel that 13 IPAS centres had been granted permission in Drogheda town centre and were opening in the coming weeks,” says Senator Comyn.
“This narrative does nothing for the morale of the town, or for our investment prospects, and whilst there is nothing stopping individuals from applying to house IPAS asylum seekers – and some may still open – not every building will be, or has been, accepted by the department.”
Senator Comyn wrote to the Department for International Protection and Integration under the Justice Department, and got the following response:
“The Department had previously received an offer of potential accommodation for people seeking international protection at the following properties and that they are no longer under consideration:
27 Laurence Street, 29 Laurence Street, 48 Fair Street, 98/99 West Street, 83 West Street, Eir House, Donore Road and Silver Wings, Monasterboice.
And the department has received no offer in respect of the following properties and are not examining them for use:
14 Fair Street, Mayoralty Mills, and Setanta House, Ardee.
The following properties are in use, providing temporary accommodation for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection:
Merchants Quay, North Quay, and 8/9 Shop Street, Drogheda, and the Department is providing temporary shelter for people applying for international protection at the d Hotel, Marsh Road, Drogheda”.
Senator Comyn says she hopes people will turn to reliable sources when it comes to speaking about the town centre and not listen to pure speculation, and also hopes the landlords involved will consider using the renovated properties for retail or commercial units, over-the-shop living or better yet, tourist accommodation.
“IPAS and Temporary Protection Accommodation is necessary, however false speculation about every property that is renovated in the town centre, does nothing for the prospect of investment in our community and our economy, and was really upsetting local traders,” she adds.
“Each property renovated takes a derelict or vacant property off the list, and I would hope to see them being used for exciting new additions to the town now that they have been deemed unsuitable for IPAS.”
