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No plans for former Tipperary convent to house asylum seekers

No plans for former Tipperary convent to house asylum seekers

In a post on social media, Labour Party councillor Michael 'Chicken' Brennan said that there are no plans to house International Protection Applicants (IPAs) in Ballingarry's Old Convent.
Cllr Brennan said that following conversations with the owners of the Old Convent, Ballingarry, outside Thurles, he can confirm that the property is not being examined for use as an IPAS centre.
The Labour Party councillor also said that there has been no offer of accommodation made, and that the Department of Justice are not examining the property for use.
"After talking to the owners yesterday evening of the Old Convent, Ballingarry, Thurles that no offer of accommodation has been received and the Department within IPAS are not examining the property for use,' Cllr Brennan wrote on social media.
"I would request people to be calm and not spread misinformation with regard to this premises,' Cllr Brennan added.
Two years ago, Tipperary County Council granted planning permission for use as tourist accommodation.
The plans at the time gave the green light for seven dwellings made up of a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom houses, with a digital hub proposed for an existing school room while the disused chapel would be converted to a community building.
Those plans would also see the old Presentation National school converted to a café and showroom.
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