Planning commission to decide if proposed Cork IPAS centre is an exempted development

Cork City Council has asked An Coimisiún Pleanála if a proposed IPAS centre on Monahan Road needs planning permission

The Cube office block on Monahan Road, Cork City docklands. Picture: Larry Cummins

Cork City Council has asked the planning commission to consider whether the use of a commercial building on Monahan Road as residential accommodation for International Protection Applicants constitutes an exempted development.

An application was made to An Coimisiún Pleanála in May last year 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 sought 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.

While that decision is yet to be published by An Coimisiún Pleanála, Cork City Council has lodged an application of their own asking whether the change of use at the ground floor, second floor and third floor of the Cube Building from office use to temporary accommodation, support for displaced persons or persons seeking international protection is an exempted development.

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 planning commission is due to decide on the city council’s case by June 29, 2026.