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The Journal
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Debunked: Proposed building plans in Tallaght suburb are not for an IPAS centre
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS viewed tens of thousands of times have falsely claimed that planning has been lodged for an asylum seeker centre in a Tallaght suburb — and that local TD Paul Murphy is objecting to it on that basis. Neither claim is accurate. The Department of Justice told The Journal that the site is not intended to be used by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). Nor is there any mention of such a use in the planning application lodged with South Dublin County Council. Instead, the planning application is for a housing development. Murphy, who represents the Dublin South-West constituency, lodged an observation with the council over the planning permission for the development in Kingswood. He cited possible technical problems with the plans, and raised concerns that they are vague and could be interpreted to show a 'co-living arrangement'. Murphy's previous objections to co-living developments are public record. IPAS Centre The incorrect claim that the building will be used as an IPAS centre was popularised in a video posted online. One version of the footage has been viewed more than 83,800 times since being posted to X on 16 July. 'This is going to be turned into a dwelling for 16 people,' a man in the video says, as he shows what appears to be a derelict house in a Tallaght suburb. 'We know what that means. Everyone knows what that means.' He goes on to say 'Paul Murphy [is] contesting this to be turned into an IPAS centre', before castigating Murphy for not supporting anti-immigrant protests. Other X posts which claim that Murphy is objecting to an IPAS centre have been viewed more than 150,000 times. However, this claim is untrue. The building shown in the video is based in Kingswood, Dublin 24, as confirmed by planning applications , as well as Google Street View images of the house. In a video posted to his BlueSky social media account on July 18, Murphy described the false claims and his actual involvement in the planning process. 'They're inventing an IPAS centre to be mad about,' he says. 'There's no proposal for it to be an IPAS centre. We're not opposing it being an IPAS centre.' Responding to inquiries from The Journal, the Department of Justice said it had 'not received an offer of international protection accommodation at this location and is not considering it for use'. The plans for the property online make no reference to a change of use of the building or indicate that it is being converted into accommodation for International Protection applicants. Instead, the application seeks permission to remove a 'redundant antenna' and build a large extension on the building. Paul Murphy did submit an observation to the application, co-signed with councillor Jess Spear, who, like Murphy, is a member of the political party People Before Profit – Solidarity. Advertisement However, this planning observation contained no reference to an IPAS centre being built. Planning objections Other social media posts focused on Murphy's stance towards the planning application, but made different claims, namely that he was objecting to the construction of housing in his area. These claims have been viewed tens of thousands of times on X, and a post entitled 'Paul Murphy TD objecting to residential development in his neighborhood' posted on 21 July attracted more than 550 comments on Reddit's Ireland forum. These claims have an element of truth, though are misleading without context. Murphy had posted letters in the local area about the planning application which said 'we are concerned that the intention is to circumvent the ban on co-living arrangements'. The letter also said: 'We desperately need more housing, and to bring vacant houses back into use.' His submitted observation on the planning application made the same arguments. Co-living housing is specifically designed for many people to live in while sharing common areas, such as kitchens and living rooms — not unlike some student accommodation. However, co-living developments for the general population are controversial and have been de facto banned since 2020 . Micheál Martin had described co-living arrangements as being at risk of becoming 'glorified tenement living'. So while it's fair to say that Murphy raised an issue with new housing in his observation on the planning application, this was only on the grounds that it could be a co-living development. It remains is unclear if the application is for a co-living space at all. Drawings submitted as part of the application show two 'proposed' large buildings, each with kitchens, dining areas, and multiple bedrooms: nine in total. A screenshot of the site plans that, taken at face value, appear to propose two large new buildings. However, these buildings are so large that they would not both fit on the physical site. This discrepancy is noted on Murphy's observation. 'The plans submitted are mislabeled,' Murphy and Spear wrote. 'The 'floor plans' show two sets of drawings labelled 'proposed ground floor' and 'proposed first floor'. We can only assume that this is a mistake. Nonetheless, it is causing confusion and concern that the owner intends to build a home with 9+ bedrooms, 3 kitchens, and so on.' The layout may be suitable for small co-living space, but it could also just be a very large home. 'It seems, to be honest, to be a mistake in the planning application,' Murphy said in his Bluesky video. 'But still, there are strange things in terms of proposals for 16 places at two different dining tables and this type of thing.' 'I suspect the council will go back looking for more information, because it should be used as accommodation for people. It should be a house, or a house and a granny flat.' Want to be your own fact-checker? Visit our brand-new FactCheck Knowledge Bank for guides and toolkits The Journal's FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network's Code of Principles. You can read it here . For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out our Reader's Guide here . You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... It is vital that we surface facts from noise. Articles like this one brings you clarity, transparency and balance so you can make well-informed decisions. We set up FactCheck in 2016 to proactively expose false or misleading information, but to continue to deliver on this mission we need your support. Over 5,000 readers like you support us. If you can, please consider setting up a monthly payment or making a once-off donation to keep news free to everyone. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
21-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Former Wexford pub refused permission for IPAS accommodation now listed for sale at €495,000
Listed with Sherry Fitzgerald Radford in Wexford town, the old pub/B&B premises is described as 'a unique commercial opportunity' with a total of 14 bedrooms, 11 of which are 'good-sized, en-suite rooms'. The property also features a dining/living room, kitchen and main bath room, while auctioneer John Radford reveals that 'most of the bedroom have been fully modernised, with some requiring some minor cosmetic upgrading'. The sellers, Sheila O'Riordan of Riolaett Ltd with an address at Blanchardstown in Dublin, had previously sought to declare the property an 'exempted development", in a bid to accommodate up to 34 asylum seekers, however, in November of last year, following some opposition locally, Wexford County Council deemed that it did not meet the required criteria. According to Wexford County Council's records, another application to convert the premises into IPAS accommodation was made on March 31 of this year and was refused on April 11. Internal work had clearly been carried out inside the property to prepare it for the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants. The same seller last week sold a collection of 5 commercial units and accommodation of North Main Street/Charlotte Street, known as Walker's Mall, for €510,000 at auction – €135,000 less than what it was purchased for in 2022. It was in May of 2022 that Ms O'Riordan also acquired The Wexford Arms from Chiara and Neil Feeney, whose parents Jacinta and PJ had run the popular hostelry and one of Wexford's oldest pubs for some 30 years. At the time, it went on the market with a guide price of €450,000. Mr Radford anticipates 'substantial interest' in the property, which has the potential to be converted into a stylish bed and breakfast in a town that is crying out for more accommodation for tourists and visitors. For more details or to arrange a viewing, contact Sherry Fitzgerald Radford Wexford.
Irish Times
19-07-2025
- Irish Times
Man charged with assault at IPAS centre ordered not to incite hate on social media
A plumber, who allegedly voiced 'extremist' views during an alleged assault and criminal damage at an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre, has been ordered to avoid attending rallies and making social media posts that incite hate or violence. Declan Stubbs (34) of Bolbrook Drive, Tallaght, Dublin, was told 'people have a right to be in the State' by Judge Catherine Ghent at Dublin District Court on Saturday. The warning came at the end of a bail ruling after Mr Stubbs was charged with causing €1,000 worth of criminal damage by kicking the door of St John's House, an IPAS centre, on High Street, Tallaght, during a drink-fuelled incident on Friday. He also had a connected charge for trespassing at the IPAS centre, a minor assault of a named male there, resisting arrest, using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself and others. READ MORE Garda Gavin Cribbin objected to bail due to the seriousness of the incident, telling the court Mr Stubbs was accused of assaulting a security guard after he had to be removed from the building and kicked the door. The garda said Mr Stubs was arrested at the IPAS centre and that there was video footage. The court heard claims Mr Stubbs expressed 'extremist political, anti-immigration views'. Garda Cribbin feared the accused would interfere with staff or residents at the centre. Defence counsel Kevin McCrave argued his client could be freed on bail with conditions. He told Judge Ghent that the father of one had received bad personal news on Friday, was off his medication and could not remember threatening anyone because he was intoxicated. Counsel said his client worked full-time for a company and paid rent. Setting bail, Judge Ghent ordered Mr Stubbs not to go within 3km of the IPAS centre, except when he has to sign on three days a week at the nearby Garda station. He also has to provide his phone number. She ordered Mr Stubbs to refrain from making extremist posts on social media, 'for clarity, they are posts that would incite hate and/or violence'. The garda did not believe Mr Stubbs attended immigration-related rallies. However, the judge directed him not to attend rallies or marches reasonably considered as inciting hatred or violence. She told him that breaking the bail terms would not be tolerated and would put him in a difficult situation. Disclosure of evidence to the defence was ordered. Mr Stubbs was ordered to appear at Tallaght District Court on September 8th to enter a plea.
BreakingNews.ie
19-07-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Plumber accused of assault at IPAS centre banned from rallies
A plumber, who allegedly voiced "extremist" views during an assault and criminal damage at a Tallaght IPAS centre, has been ordered to avoid rallies and social media posts inciting hate or violence. Declan Stubbs, 34, of Bolbrook Drive, Tallaght, Dublin, was told "people have a right to be in the State" by Judge Catherine Ghent at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Advertisement The warning came at the end of a bail ruling after Mr Stubbs was charged with causing €1,000 worth of criminal damage by kicking the door of St John's House, on High Street, during a drink-fuelled incident on Friday. He also had a connected charge for trespassing at the IPAS centre, a minor assault of a named male there, resisting arrest, using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour and being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself and others. Garda Gavin Cribbin objected to bail due to the seriousness of the incident, telling the court that Mr Stubbs was accused of assaulting a security guard after he had to be removed from the building and kicked the door. The garda said Mr Stubs was arrested at the scene, at the IPAS centre, and there was video footage. The court heard claims Mr Stubbs expressed extremist political, anti-immigration views. Garda Cribbin feared the accused would interfere with staff or residents at the centre. Advertisement His phone had been seized. Defence counsel Kevin McCrave argued that his client could be freed on bail with conditions. He told Judge Ghent that the father-of-one had received bad personal news on Friday, was off his medication, and could not remember threatening anyone because he was intoxicated. Counsel added that his client worked full-time for a company and paid rent. Advertisement Setting bail, Judge Ghent ordered Mr Stubbs not to go within three kilometres of the IPAS centre, except when he has to sign on three days a week at the nearby Garda station. He also has to provide his phone number. She ordered Mr Stubbs to refrain from extremist posts on social media, "for clarity, they are posts that would incite hate and/or violence." The garda did not believe Mr Stubbs attended immigration rallies. However, the judge directed him not to attend rallies or marches reasonably considered as inciting hatred or violence. She let him know that breaking the bail terms would not be tolerated and would put him in a difficult situation. Disclosure of evidence to the defence was ordered. Mr Stubbs spoke only to consult with his barrister and to confirm he understood the judge's order. He was ordered to appear at Tallaght District Court on September 8 to enter a plea.
Irish Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Plumber who allegedly voiced 'extremist' views in IPAS attack given rally ban
A plumber, who allegedly voiced "extremist" views during an assault and criminal damage at a Tallaght IPAS centre, has been ordered to avoid rallies and social media posts inciting hate or violence. Declan Stubbs, 34, of Bolbrook Drive, Tallaght, Dublin, was told "people have a right to be in the State" by Judge Catherine Ghent at Dublin District Court on Saturday. The warning came at the end of a bail ruling after Mr Stubbs was charged with causing €1,000 worth of criminal damage by kicking the door of St John's House, on High Street, during a drink-fuelled incident on Friday. He also had a connected charge for trespassing at the IPAS centre, a minor assault of a named male there, resisting arrest, using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour and being intoxicated to the extent of being a danger to himself and others. Garda Gavin Cribbin objected to bail due to the seriousness of the incident, telling the court that Mr Stubbs was accused of assaulting a security guard after he had to be removed from the building and kicked the door. The garda said Mr Stubbs was arrested at the scene, at the IPAS centre, and there was video footage. The court heard claims Mr Stubbs expressed extremist political, anti-immigration views. Garda Cribbin feared the accused would interfere with staff or residents at the centre. His phone had been seized. Defence counsel Kevin McCrave argued that his client could be freed on bail with conditions. The Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin (Image: Getty Images) He told Judge Ghent that the father-of-one had received bad personal news on Friday, was off his medication, and could not remember threatening anyone because he was intoxicated. Counsel added that his client worked full-time for a company and paid rent. Setting bail, Judge Ghent ordered Mr Stubbs not to go within three kilometres of the IPAS centre, except when he has to sign on three days a week at the nearby Garda station. He also has to provide his phone number. She ordered Mr Stubbs to refrain from extremist posts on social media, "for clarity, they are posts that would incite hate and/or violence." The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week The garda did not believe Mr Stubbs attended immigration rallies. However, the judge directed him not to attend rallies or marches reasonably considered as inciting hatred or violence. She let him know that breaking the bail terms would not be tolerated and would put him in a difficult situation. Disclosure of evidence to the defence was ordered. Mr Stubbs spoke only to consult with his barrister and to confirm he understood the judge's order. He was ordered to appear at Tallaght District Court on September 8 to enter a plea. Sign up to the Irish Mirror's Courts and Crime newsletter here and get breaking crime updates and news from the courts direct to your inbox.
