‘Peaceful demonstration’ arranged amid plans for IPAS sites in north Mayo

A protest has been organised in Ballina this Saturday at 1 p.m. at the old military barracks, in response to recent planning declarations submitted to repurpose two sites in the area as accommodation centres for individuals seeking international protection.

Tensions have heightened in Ballina and Crossmolina following the submission of a Section 5 planning declaration by CH Care Services Limited.

The company aims to transform the former St. Mary’s secondary school in Ballina into a temporary housing facility for displaced persons under a Section 5 declaration.

This type of planning exemption enables the use of existing buildings for different purposes without requiring full planning permission.

Adding to the controversy, a local businessman in a nearby town has applied to repurpose the Dolphin Hotel on Ballina Street in Crossmolina as another potential residence for international protection applicants.

The demonstration will feature an open-air meeting for residents of Ballina, Crossmolina, and surrounding areas.

Organisers describe the event as a “peaceful demonstration and open air meeting” aimed at raising awareness of the applications and exploring community options for lodging formal objections.

A flyer promoting the event indicates that topics for discussion will include the planning applications for the proposed international protection accommodation (IPA) centres in both Ballina and Crossmolina, as well as guidance on the process for raising objections.