We, the residents and supporters of Macroom and surrounding areas, are calling on Cork County Council and national authorities to reject Planning Application 24/6516, which proposes the construction of a third IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) center in Macroom.

This objection is not about who is coming — it is about what is not in place to support them or the existing community.

Key Concerns:

No access to GPs: Our local GP services are already at breaking point. New residents, who will eventually move on and be replaced by others, will add further unsustainable pressure on already overwhelmed services.

Schools at full capacity: There is a shortage of teachers and school places, which affects all children in the community — existing and new.

No available housing: As of early July 2025, there were zero rental properties available in Macroom and only seven homes for sale (four of which are habitable). A constant turnover of temporary accommodation residents puts more pressure on an already critical housing situation, particularly for young people who want to stay in their hometown.

Lack of public transport: The proposed development site is over 2km from the town center with no public transport links. This isolates those in accommodation and makes integration and access to services extremely difficult.

Strained public services: Ambulance response times, school enrollments, and housing lists are all areas that continue to suffer due to underinvestment and poor planning.

No community consultation: Once again, residents of Macroom were not consulted. We believe communities should be part of the decision-making process on local developments — not left in the dark.

🛑 Macroom is not anti-immigrant. We are anti-bad-planning.

We believe that if people are coming to our community seeking safety, then both they and we deserve the proper supports.

We call on Cork County Council, An Bord Pleanala and the Department to reject this planning application until real investment in local infrastructure, housing, healthcare, transport, and education is delivered — for everyone.

✍️ Sign this petition to stand for sustainable, inclusive, and fair planning in Macroom.