Former Limerick hospital building will not be turned into IPAS centre

The former Barrington's Hospital building was taken over by Bon Secours. It is moving to a new hospital facility, due to open on September 1

The former Barrington's Hospital building in Limerick City. File picture 

A former hospital building in Limerick will not be turned into an international protection accommodation service (IPAS) centre, it has been confirmed.

There had been speculation that Barrington's Hospital, on George’s Quay in Limerick City centre had been earmarked as a base for international protection applicants.

Local Fianna Fáil senator Dee Ryan said the department of justice had confirmed the hospital is not being considered as an IPAS centre.

This comes as there had been “concerns sparked by recent media reports” that the former hospital building might be used as an IPAS facility.

In his response to Ms Ryan, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said the level of need for IPAS accommodation is "now stabilising, and over 400 properties, including 12,000 tourism beds have already been returned to their previous uses in 2024".

Ms Ryan said her focus is now on ensuring that the building is brought back into productive use in a way that benefits the local community and Limerick residents.

“This is an iconic site in the heart of Limerick. Rather than remaining idle or being used on a short-term emergency basis, we should explore opportunities to deliver real value for the community whether that’s through housing, cultural or community space, or another use that supports the ongoing regeneration of our city,” she said.

A computer generated visualisation of the new Bon Secours Hospital in Limerick. File picture 

The former Barrington's Hospital building was taken over by Bon Secours. It is moving to a new hospital facility on Ballysimon Road, due to open on September 1.

The new facility will see 300 new jobs created, doubling the hospital’s current workforce, following an investment of €190m in the new premises.

The hospital will also expand its teams in radiology, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, as well as introduce a new hospital access diagnostic unit for GP referrals, allowing for patient admissions if required.