The lack of information around what is happening at the former Convent Secondary School site in Ballina is causing concern for local residents and elected councillors. The matter was raised at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Ballina Municipal District by Fianna Fail councillor Annie May Reape.
The councillor demanded answers from council management as to what is being developed at the site. She described extensive activity at the location, however, no one she says, knows what is being developed there.
At a public meeting last Friday week, residents and councillors were assured that the location is not being developed as an IPAS centre – an accommodation centre for asylum seekers and refugees, and councillor Reape said that news was welcomed. Nonetheless, she said speculation is continuing as to what is happening at the busy site.
In response, Head of Ballina Municipal District, Declan Turnbull told councillors yesterday that there is no active planning application with the local authority for any development at that location.
He explained that the property is in private ownership and that planning enforcement officers would not be inspecting the location due to “rumour” or “hearsay”, it only does so in response to formal complaints.
Councillor Reape insisted local residents deserve to be informed of what is happening in their community and she said she will continue to demand answers as to what is happening at this site.
Afterwards she spoke to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley about her determination to get answers…
