Minister concerned over potential use of Tougher’s site for international protection applicants

MINISTER Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has expressed concern about the potential use of the former Tougher’s Restaurant site for international protection applicants, just weeks after Ukrainian families were evacuated from the premises over safety issues.

In a press statement, minister O’Connor revealed she had only learned of the proposal through media reports, prompting her to seek immediate clarification from ministers Norma Foley and Jim Callaghan.

"Neither I or other colleagues had been provided with information or communication regarding such an important issue," she said.

The Internal Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) confirmed to the minister that it is ‘currently responding to an offer of accommodation in respect of Tougher’s Restaurant’, though discussions are reportedly at an early stage. 

"Given that the accommodation was deemed unsafe for Ukrainian families last month, and that many of these families with young children who had established strong community and school links were forced to move to other areas to seek accommodation and schooling, I share the concern of the people of Carlow," said minister Murnane O'Connor. 

"So much upset has been experienced by Ukrainian families and children who were forced to leave their “homes” at the site, which they may now see offered to others," she added.

The minister emphasised the need for clarity regarding the resolution of previously identified fire and safety issues at the site, which led to the evacuation of about 150 Ukrainian refugees on 28 January.

In a separate statement yesterday, TD Catherine Callaghan provided an update following discussions with the Community Engagement Team (CET), confirming that while an offer has been received, ‘absolutely no decision has been made’. 

Ms Callaghan also expressed her personal view on the matter, advocating for a shift away from temporary accommodation solutions. ‘The minister for justice mentioned on Sunday that the state is moving towards buying suitable buildings in suitable areas to house people that come to our country seeking protection,’ she noted.

The situation has highlighted broader concerns about Ireland’s immigration system, with Ms Callaghan suggesting the need for a ‘much more streamlined, efficient and effective immigration system’.

The controversy surrounding Tougher’s began when Ukrainian families, many of whom had lived there since 2022, were forced to relocate across several counties. The Department of Children had cited fire safety concerns that reportedly ‘could not be quickly remediated’ as the reason for the December 2024 eviction notices. The timing and nature of these developments have raised questions about the consistency of safety standards and the impact on displaced families who had established roots in the Carlow community.

Minister Murnane O’Connor concluded her statement by emphasising the need for clarity and communication regarding the situation, saying ‘it makes no sense, and I will continue to raise these concerns with the department’.