Wicklow County Council launches High Court proceedings to demolish an unauthorized refugee village at Kippure Holiday Village in Blessington, Co. Wicklow. The action targets three companies and five directors connected to the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) site.
Legal Action Against Companies and Directors
The council’s case involves Goldstein Property ICAV, the estate owners; Seefin Events Unlimited, the IPAS operator that has received over €43 million in state contracts; and Tondo Limited. Named directors include Sinéad Fennelly, Carol Dwyer, Eoghan Coughlan, Joseph Christle, and Christian Currivan.
The sprawling development, featuring 65 houses, roads, and service buildings, sits in a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty. Wicklow County Council repeatedly warned of planning violations, leading to enforcement action after operators’ retention permission request failed.
Council demands full restoration of the site to its original condition.
Minister’s Vow to Terminate Contract
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan states he will terminate the IPAS contract with Seefin Events Unlimited if the council succeeds. Hundreds of asylum seekers at the Kippure Manor Estate site would relocate immediately to alternative housing.
Responding to queries from Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady, the minister noted: “The department is aware of ongoing engagement between the provider and the local authority in relation to a number of planning matters at this property and that these matters are currently before the courts.”
He added that the IPAS center continues operations until proceedings conclude, but “any action required as a result of the outcome will be followed up without delay.” The minister clarified that planning issues affect non-contracted parts of the property.
Emergency Laws and Rejections
Operators cite June 2022 laws, introduced post-Russian invasion of Ukraine, claiming exemption for refugee housing. Wicklow County Council and An Coimisiún Pleanála rejected this argument.
A Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration spokesman confirmed ongoing contact with the provider. “Some of these matters have been considered by An Coimisiún Pleanála and are also the subject of proceedings before the High Court. All accommodation centres are subject to routine inspections and compliance checks,” the spokesman said.
An inspection occurred at Kippure on February 17, with results forthcoming online.
This follows Meath County Council’s recent demolition order for an unauthorized 6,220 square foot home near Navan after a 20-year battle.
