Clendennen issues statement after Belmont meeting

Fine Gael TD John Clendennen has stressed there is "no intention" by the Government to open an IPAS centre in Belmont.

In a statement this evening (Friday), Clendennen said: "Since concerns were first raised locally, I have remained in regular contact with members of the Belmont community and attended the public meeting at High Street Hall on Monday evening, August 31st, to hear those concerns directly.

"I have also repeatedly engaged with Minister Colm Brophy and have been advised that there has been absolutely no intention on the part of Government to open an IPAS centre in Belmont. The last new IPAS centre to open in Ireland was in November 2025."

SEE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT HERE

He said that separately, Offaly County Council is "currently investigating an alleged unauthorised development in Belmont".

"As soon as that investigation concludes, I will share the reported findings in the interests of transparency and to ensure that factual and accurate information is circulated within the community.!

He said he also wanted to clarify concerns raised regarding licences or permits for abnormal loads and access to the public road network. "Offaly County Council does not investigate or verify the contents, destination or intended use of any load as part of that process," he said.

"I will continue to work closely with the local community, engage constructively with like-minded public representatives, and remain in direct contact with Offaly County Council and Minister Brophy as we seek a constructive and timely conclusion to this matter.

"My priority throughout is to ensure that residents receive accurate information, that legitimate concerns are properly addressed, and that speculation does not replace the facts."