Department cannot overrule council order to stop using listed building as refugee housing

Minister Darragh O'Brien's statement puts him directly at odds with his governmental colleague, the Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman, who has to date backed the owner of Ryevale House, Coldec Properties.

The Department of Housing has said it has no power to overrule an enforcement order placed on a listed building being used for the housing of refugees in Co Kildare.

Asked whether there is provision in legislation for such a protected structure to have its stated purpose changed without the need for planning permission, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien deferred to the local authority in question.