Independent TD Carol Nolan has called for urgent clarity and full transparency following the arrival and continued movement of large modular units into the High Street area of Belmont, County Offaly.
Deputy Nolan said that residents are deeply concerned that the activity may be linked to a potential International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS)‑related development, despite no public notification, no planning clarity, and no engagement with the local community.
She said that many people in Belmont are only now becoming aware of the scale and nature of what is happening:
“Modular units have been transported into a quiet area with absolutely no explanation from the authorities. Residents are worried, and understandably so, that this may be the early stages of an IPAS‑linked development,” Deputy Nolan said.
“On Monday, I met the Belmont residents’ in my constituency office. I went through every document they provided, including enforcement material, land registry information, photographs, and concerns about ownership and the possible intended use of the site.”
Immediately after that meeting, I contacted the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to establish whether his Department has any involvement with the site, whether any proposals have been submitted, and whether the Department is aware of the landowner’s previous attempts to develop IPAS‑type accommodation in other counties.”
The Independent TD said she also engaged directly with Offaly County Council.
“I contacted the Planning Enforcement Section on Monday and again twice today. I asked for clarity on the legal status of the units, whether any enforcement action is underway, and whether the Council has received any notification of further development,” Deputy Nolan said.
“I also sought confirmation from the Roads Section on whether abnormal load permits had been issued and today I received a detailed response.”
“The Council has confirmed that a three‑month abnormal load permit was issued to a company for transporting modular units to the Belmont address. The permit remains valid until 11 November 2026, and the company may move units as often as they wish during that period. The Roads Section emphasised that it does not assess the purpose of the development and that the permit was applied for by the haulier, not the landowner or developer.”
Deputy Nolan said this confirmation raises further questions:
“The fact that units can continue to be moved into Belmont until November, without any requirement to disclose the purpose of the development, is deeply concerning. Residents deserve to know whether more units are planned, who is responsible for the activity, and whether this is indeed connected to an IPAS‑type proposal.
“That information must come from Planning Enforcement and from the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. I will continue pressing both until we have clear, factual answers,” she said.
“I understand people’s frustration, but I want to be absolutely clear. I have been proactive and engaged from the outset. I met residents, reviewed all documentation, contacted the Minister immediately, and engaged with Offaly County Council repeatedly.”
“Unfortunately, however, I was not informed in time of the most recent local meeting on this issue, and that oversight is deeply regrettable.”
“My focus is on ensuring that the people of Belmont are not left in the dark and that any development, particularly one potentially linked to IPAS is subject to full scrutiny and accountability,” Deputy Nolan concluded.