Plans for Cork office block to be converted to IPAS accommodation 

An application has been made to An Bord Pleanála for The Cube building to be used for potential temporary housing for refugees and asylum seekers

THE CUBE office block on Monahan Road, Cork City docklands. Picture: Larry Cummins

Plans have been submitted to change an office block on Cork's Monahan Road into residential accommodation for International Protection Applicants.

An application has been made to An Bord Pleanála for The Cube building, an office block located near Cork's docklands, to be used for potential temporary housing for refugees and asylum seekers.

Development Management is seeking to understand if a temporary change of use of the basement, ground, first, second and third floors of the Cube building from office to residential accommodation for International Protection Applicants is an exempted development. 

If it is an exempted development, the change of use would not require planning permission from Cork City Council.

The Cube building was constructed in 2007 and was formerly known as ‘Phoenix House’.

Regus took over the top floor of the building and has since expanded to offer co-working spaces and offices in the building. Companies Dassault Systems and Microchip also have offices in the building. 

The application to An Bord Pleanála is due to be decided by August 27.