A planning loophole is causing the erosion of trust between communities and local authorities.
That’s the view of Mayo-based Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy, who wants the planning loophole allowing the conversion of derelict or vacant properties into accommodation for international protection applicants to be closed.
The exemption was introduced in 2022 as a way of increasing available accommodation for applicants at a time when arrivals to Ireland grew quickly.
Senator Duffy says that this “lack of clarity for communities and local representatives is eroding trust and certainty”.
He has been speaking to Midwest Radio’s Scott Stephens…
