Controversial plan to convert Laois pub to IPAS accommodation approved

Retention planning has been granted to a pub which was converted into IPAS accommodation in Laois. 

Marc Lennon has been granted retention planning permission to convert Peader’s Bar, Mary Street in Durrow for use for people seeking shelter under the International Protection Accommodation Service. 

The retention planning application was lodged with Laois County Council in July last year. 

Mr Lennon applied “to carry out a development which consists of accommodation to be used as accommodation for persons seeking international protection under the IPAS Scheme”.

According to Council documents, the planning application was granted subject to 15 conditions on March 24. 

Concerned residents held public meetings in Durrow last year when the plans were first proposed with many voicing their concerns about the proposal.  

The planning permission relates to the retention and change of use of the existing bar on the ground floor and private accommodation on the first floor for use for accommodation on both ground floor and first floor, comprising of five ground floor bedrooms and three first floor bedrooms.  There is also a 16.1 square metre living room, 19.8 square metre kitchen dining room, 3.7 square metre store room and 8.2 metre bathroom. 

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Permission was also granted for the construction of a single storey extension to the rear of the existing building to be used foraccommodation consisting of three additional bedrooms, 15 square metre ground floor kitchen, 41 square metre communal; living/dining room, 12.1 square metre laundry room, male and female Bathroom and showering facilities at Peader's Bar, Mary Street, Durrow. 

The application attracted 141 submissions during the planning stage with Laois County Council.