Planning permission sought for IPAS centre in Gorey

Planning permission has been sought for an IPAS centre in Gorey, County Wexford…

The application to Wexford County Council was submitted by Sean Doyle Developments LTD on February 19th. The SD Group own and lease a vast portfolio of residential, commercial and retail properties around Dublin and the South East areas of Ireland. Along with that, As per their website, some of the SD Group tenants’ include; the Dublin and Wexford County Councils, Boots, Regatta, Spar, Cafe Sol, Wexford Casings, My Fitt, KidZone, Automation Ireland, Brennans Bread, SKC Providers Limited, Flyefit Gyms, Paddy Power, St Aidans, Mattress Mick, Mizzonies and CK Signs.

The SD Group, under it’s various companies, manage leading hospitality and entertainment businesses within the hotel, bar, nightclub, restaurant, café and live music sectors in Ireland. Along with owning and running all the following hospitality venues, the Group also own and lease out a number of bars to individual operators including Upton Court Hotel, Well’s House, O2 Nightclub, Nel’s Sweeney’s, The Coach House, and Paddy Blues, all in North Wexford.

The proprietor is planning to “change the of use from previously granted planning permission for a commercial guest-house to temporary accommodation for those seeking international protection.”

The property is located at ‘Waygood’ in Gorey town, on the Arklow Road in Gorey. This premises is directly across from The Coach House gastro-pub and in is adjacent to a local toy store business.

The application comes just one week after significant backlash to a planned IPAS centre in Enniscorthy, an application made by Ian Skeffington on behalf of his company Flodale Group Ltd. It led to large protests being held in the Templeshannon area of Enniscorthy town a number of days later.

Other than an acknowledgement letter, no other details have been submitted with the Sean Doyle Developments Ltd planning application. As a result, the number of asylum seekers that this property could accommodate remains unknown.

Concerns have already been raised from the local Gorey community regarding the lack of services. There is an ongoing issue in the town with school places and it is incredibly difficult to get a Doctor’s appointment, with many having to travel to other nearby towns such as Arklow to get an appointment.

The planning reference number is: EXD01152