"During the meeting it was revealed that the company operating the Kippure IPAS centre received approximately €5.6 million in payments between July and September 2025 alone. Total payments to the provider since 2023 were cited by members as exceeding €37 million."
"PAC chair and Wicklow TD John Brady used the Kippure case to challenge officials, describing it as a "microcosm" of a flawed system where "one arm of the state gives out millions... while another arm takes them to the High Court"."
"The Comptroller and Auditor General's report, which informed the PAC discussions, noted that only one in five IPAS properties examined had clear evidence of planning permission or exempted development status at the time of contracting."
The Department of Integration continues using a facility for international protection accommodation while a significant planning dispute remains unresolved. The provider received approximately €5.6 million between July and September 2025 alone, with total payments since 2023 exceeding €37 million. Wicklow County Council issued demolition orders for 65 dwellings allegedly built without permission. The Department argues planning issues affect only parts of the property not contracted for accommodation. Officials maintain regulatory matters are solely between the local authority and private provider. A Comptroller and Auditor General report revealed only one in five IPAS properties examined had clear planning permission evidence at contracting time. PAC members criticized the situation as a systemic flaw where state funds support operations simultaneously challenged by state enforcement actions.
#international-protection-accommodation #planning-dispute #state-payments #regulatory-compliance #public-accountability
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