Offaly Council Refuses Extension For Emergency Accommodation

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 15:03

Bridgestock Care Ltd sought to extend the temporary permission to use McGinn House.

A split decision is being applied by the local authority in Offaly to refuse an extension of planning permission for emergency accomodation.

Bridgestock Care Ltd wanted to retain a previously granted temporary change of the use of McGinn House on Tullamore's High Street from a protected structure into accommodation for protected persons.

They're also looking to restore the existing sash windows, and an upgrade to existing traditional lime plaster on the outside of the building.

Offaly County Council is refusing the change of use, but is granting the work to the outside of the building subject to 6 conditions.

In its refusal, it says other former residences alongside a hostel bulding on both sides of High Street and a part of O'Moore Street, currently had the use of temporary accomodation.

The council says it would "therefore set anundesirable precedent and would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area."

Concerns about overcrowding and a lack of recreational facitlites were also listed for reasons for refusal.