Watch: Wicklow Council Rejects Refugee Village's Bid to Legalise Unapproved Buildings Near Blessington

Monday, 25 November 2024 12:17

By Martin Osborne

The site, located at Kippure Lodge and Holiday Village, includes 65 houses, roads, and service buildings that were built without planning permission.

A controversial refugee village in Manor Kilbride, just outside Blessington, has been refused permission to keep buildings that were constructed without approval.

The site, located at Kippure Lodge and Holiday Village, includes 65 houses, roads, and service buildings that were built without planning permission.

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This week, Wicklow County Council refused the operators’ request to keep the development.

The council explained that the buildings broke EU laws, national planning rules, and local development plans.

They also said keeping the illegal buildings could set a precedent that would harm the area, which is officially marked as an Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Kfm reported in May how the developer was given 16 weeks to cease residential occupation of 14 two-storey dwelling houses and fully demolish them, including their foundations. Additionally, they were mandated to demolish 51 dwelling house units, along with their foundations and a retaining wall.

The estate is owned by an investment group but is rented to a company that provides housing for asylum seekers.

According to the Irish Mail on Sunday, the company has earned over €56 million through state contracts.

The operators, Seefin Events Unlimited, asked for permission to keep several buildings, including accommodation blocks and a substation. Some of the blocks have dozens of rooms and unfinished housing units.

The council refused the request, saying the operators didn’t provide necessary environmental studies or details on waste management, water use, and wildlife protection.

Wicklow County Council is also preparing to take legal action in the High Court over the unauthorised construction.

The council hasn’t commented further on the case.