The Issue

Our cherished town of Abbeyfeale is home to a tight-knit community that holds dear the safety, privacy, and well-being of our children and elderly. We recently learned of a proposal to establish an IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) centre in our town by repurposing a long-abandoned convent, a site directly adjacent to a girls’ primary school. This raises grave concerns about the security and mental health of our children, whose daily lives and education could be disrupted by the presence of unknown individuals so close to their school.

Our elderly residents, too, deserve peace and privacy, which this development threatens to undermine. Abbeyfeale’s already overstretched services—doctors, dentists, and other essential resources—are struggling to meet the needs of our current population. Adding an unknown number of new residents, without transparency about who they are, risks overwhelming these vital supports, further jeopardizing the care available to our most vulnerable.

For years, Abbeyfeale has proudly welcomed people from all nationalities, extending hospitality with open arms. However, this proposal crosses a line. We do not know the identities, backgrounds, or intentions of those who would be housed here, and without that clarity, we cannot accept the risks it poses to our community. Moreover, any buildings in Abbeyfeale designated for refurbishment and investment through the Mayoral office of Limerick City and County must be reserved exclusively for addressing local housing needs, not repurposed into IPAS centres. Our town’s resources and future development belong to its residents. 

We call on the relevant city and county authorities to reject the proposed IPAS centre outright and ensure all development efforts prioritize the well-being of Abbeyfeale residents. We urge our fellow community members to sign this petition, standing united to protect the heart of Abbeyfeale and preserve the security and peace our town deserves.