An application has been submitted to turn a Wexford hotel into an IPAS centre…
On March 24th 2025, an application was submitted on behalf of Kennedy Boutique Hotel, located on 19 The Quay, New Ross, County Wexford to turn their accommodation into an IPAS centre.
The company directors of the Kennedy Boutique Hotel are New Ross locals, William O’Leary and Tina Jordan, while Architect John Kennedy submitted the application on behalf of the company directors.
The application has been submitted under the Exempted Development Act. This means that the property would not need planning permission for the proposed change.
The original property was constructed in 2006 for use as a hotel. They now propose to turn the hotel into “provision accommodation to International Protection applicants,” as per the application available on the Wexford County Council planning website.
Some concerned groups in New Ross – in particular New Ross Community Watch – have expressed their dismay with the application.
One concerned New Ross local, who contacted their page, noted that “this development has raised important questions about how it may impact the town’s resources and services, and as a community, we must stay vigilant.”
This member noted multiple areas that cause for concern. They include “Impact on local services…healthcare…education…public services…and sewage and infrastructure.”
“The town’s doctors and dentists are already working hard to serve the current population. An increase in residents could result in longer wait times and greater strain on the healthcare system.”
“With more families or individuals seeking accommodation, local schools might face overcrowding and resource limitations,” it reads.
In contrast, another user welcomed the idea and stated that it would unlikely have any impact on local services:
“I very much doubt that sixteen people, possible thirty two, if it’s two people to a room, will have an impact on essential local services, considering the same number, possibly more Ukrainian people, were using the same local services, it’s simply one group of people being replaced by another group,” she said.
It is believed that protests are currently being planned outside of the business premises this Saturday April 5th at 12 noon, led by a recently-formed group called ‘New Ross says No to IPAS’.
This is one of many applications that Wexford County Council has received in recent times. Another two applications were submitted for the small village of Killinick, another for Gorey town, while other applications were submitted for Enniscorthy, all of which have been met with strong local criticism.
For more information and to look at the documents, the application number on the Wexford County Council’s Planning section of their website is: EXD01167
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.