Plans for Oldcastle hotel to be used as IPAS centre 'no longer under consideration' - Department of Justice

The Department of Justice has confirmed that the Oldcastle hotel, granted 'exempted development' status by Meath County Council meaning it can be considered for use as accommodation for International Protection applicants is "no longer under consideration" for such a purpose.

Minister Jim O'Callaghan's Community Integration Team confirmed this evening that "the International Protection Accommodation Service did receive an offer of accommodation in respect of Oldcastle House Hotel, Cogan Street, Oldcastle, Co. Meath but the property is no longer under consideration."

In an email to Deputy Johnny Guirke this evening and seen by the Meath Chronicle, a Department of Justice spokesperson said all offers of international protection accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure.

"Factors in the appraisal of international protection accommodation include the site and its potential, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.

"Consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.

"It should be noted that an application from a prospective provider to the Local Authority for confirmation of a planning exemption, referred to as a Section 5 application, or a confirmation of same, does not mean that a decision has been made by the Department to use a property as international protection accommodation."

A planned protest for 7pm on Monday evening at the Oldcastle House Hotel went ahead with a large turnout in attendance.

Read more on this developing story here.

- More in tomorrow's Meath Chronicle newspaper