Laois pub seeks planning permission for use as IPAS accommodation
The pub and guesthouse has a number of rooms
A planning application has been lodged to turn a Laois pub into accommodation for asylum seekers.
Marc Lennon has applied to Laois County Council for permission for a change of use for the existing pub and guesthouse accommodation at Lennons Bar in Durrow to be used for International Protection Accommodation Services(IPAS).
Mr Lennon told the Leinster Express/Laois Live that: "All the contracts we have are for women, children and families. We don't take single men."
According to the planning application, “the development consists of the change of use of the existing pub & guesthouse/hostel permitted under Reg. Reg 2460198 for accommodation to be used for persons seeking international protection under the IPAS Scheme.”
It states that the application seeks to use the bar on the ground floor and the first floor as accommodation. The plan would have eight bedrooms on the ground floor and two bedrooms on the first floor. The plans include a kitchen dining area, communal living area and dining room.
A number of male and female bathrooms along with showers and a unisex bathroom are included in the plans. There is also a small communal/study area on the first floor. A new laundry room at the rear of the premises and a covered store area and refuse area are also included in the plans.
The planning application was lodged with Laois County Council today and remains at pre-validation stage.