A group of Westmeath councillors have backed a motion calling for an end to the use of Columb Barracks as an IPAS centre.
In 2022, the former army barracks was turned into an IPAS centre, with an initial contract to last just 12 months. The current contracts for the premises are set to expire in 2027 and 2029, respectively.
Despite local backlash, the site was designated as an accommodation centre for two groups under separate contracts: beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine (to expire in March 2027) and persons seeking international protection (order to expire in July 2029).
Locals, campaigners and historians alike have expressed concern around the use of the site for IPAS residents. Historian Jason McKevitt told local media last summer that the sprawling site could be used for better purposes amid calls for a push for Urban Regeneration funding.
The former military barracks, which closed in 2012, had previously been used by up to 30 community groups and businesses, and as a training base for GAA clubs and a local boxing club.
In mid-2025, Westmeath County councillors formed a committee to advance the regeneration of the barracks.
The Westmeath Examiner reports on the council’s last monthly meeting, during which all members present agreed to support the proposal, with efforts to be made to append the signatures of each councillor to the motion, which is to be sent to the government.
Cllr Andrew Duncan proposed the motion.The Fine Gael councillor for the Mullingar-Kinnegad District told the meeting that he would become “a major thorn in the side| for the authorities if there was an attempt to extend the contracts, as reported by The Westmeath Examiner.
The motion calls on the Department of justice, International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) and the Land Development Agency (LDA) not to renew or extend the contracts after the set expiry date.
Cllr Duncan’s motion further proposes that once the projects have expired, the entire site be handed over to the LDA for priority regeneration and development as a mixed-use civilian project delivering housing and community facilities.
“For the people of Mullingar, we have to get the barracks regenerated, and if action isn’t taken soon then there will be nothing left to regenerate,” said Cllr Duncan at the meeting.
The motion was seconded by Cllr Ken Glynn, who described the original closure of the barracks as “one of the biggest scandals ever in this town.”
He said that when the contracts expire, “that’s it – we want this facility back into community hands.