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The Journal
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Debunked: Proposed building plans in Tallaght suburb are not for an IPAS centre
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS viewed tens of thousands of times have falsely claimed that planning has been lodged for an asylum seeker centre in a Tallaght suburb — and that local TD Paul Murphy is objecting to it on that basis. Neither claim is accurate. The Department of Justice told The Journal that the site is not intended to be used by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). Nor is there any mention of such a use in the planning application lodged with South Dublin County Council. Instead, the planning application is for a housing development. Murphy, who represents the Dublin South-West constituency, lodged an observation with the council over the planning permission for the development in Kingswood. He cited possible technical problems with the plans, and raised concerns that they are vague and could be interpreted to show a 'co-living arrangement'. Murphy's previous objections to co-living developments are public record. IPAS Centre The incorrect claim that the building will be used as an IPAS centre was popularised in a video posted online. One version of the footage has been viewed more than 83,800 times since being posted to X on 16 July. 'This is going to be turned into a dwelling for 16 people,' a man in the video says, as he shows what appears to be a derelict house in a Tallaght suburb. 'We know what that means. Everyone knows what that means.' He goes on to say 'Paul Murphy [is] contesting this to be turned into an IPAS centre', before castigating Murphy for not supporting anti-immigrant protests. Other X posts which claim that Murphy is objecting to an IPAS centre have been viewed more than 150,000 times. However, this claim is untrue. The building shown in the video is based in Kingswood, Dublin 24, as confirmed by planning applications , as well as Google Street View images of the house. In a video posted to his BlueSky social media account on July 18, Murphy described the false claims and his actual involvement in the planning process. 'They're inventing an IPAS centre to be mad about,' he says. 'There's no proposal for it to be an IPAS centre. We're not opposing it being an IPAS centre.' Responding to inquiries from The Journal, the Department of Justice said it had 'not received an offer of international protection accommodation at this location and is not considering it for use'. The plans for the property online make no reference to a change of use of the building or indicate that it is being converted into accommodation for International Protection applicants. Instead, the application seeks permission to remove a 'redundant antenna' and build a large extension on the building. Paul Murphy did submit an observation to the application, co-signed with councillor Jess Spear, who, like Murphy, is a member of the political party People Before Profit – Solidarity. Advertisement However, this planning observation contained no reference to an IPAS centre being built. Planning objections Other social media posts focused on Murphy's stance towards the planning application, but made different claims, namely that he was objecting to the construction of housing in his area. These claims have been viewed tens of thousands of times on X, and a post entitled 'Paul Murphy TD objecting to residential development in his neighborhood' posted on 21 July attracted more than 550 comments on Reddit's Ireland forum. These claims have an element of truth, though are misleading without context. Murphy had posted letters in the local area about the planning application which said 'we are concerned that the intention is to circumvent the ban on co-living arrangements'. The letter also said: 'We desperately need more housing, and to bring vacant houses back into use.' His submitted observation on the planning application made the same arguments. Co-living housing is specifically designed for many people to live in while sharing common areas, such as kitchens and living rooms — not unlike some student accommodation. However, co-living developments for the general population are controversial and have been de facto banned since 2020 . Micheál Martin had described co-living arrangements as being at risk of becoming 'glorified tenement living'. So while it's fair to say that Murphy raised an issue with new housing in his observation on the planning application, this was only on the grounds that it could be a co-living development. It remains is unclear if the application is for a co-living space at all. Drawings submitted as part of the application show two 'proposed' large buildings, each with kitchens, dining areas, and multiple bedrooms: nine in total. A screenshot of the site plans that, taken at face value, appear to propose two large new buildings. However, these buildings are so large that they would not both fit on the physical site. This discrepancy is noted on Murphy's observation. 'The plans submitted are mislabeled,' Murphy and Spear wrote. 'The 'floor plans' show two sets of drawings labelled 'proposed ground floor' and 'proposed first floor'. We can only assume that this is a mistake. Nonetheless, it is causing confusion and concern that the owner intends to build a home with 9+ bedrooms, 3 kitchens, and so on.' The layout may be suitable for small co-living space, but it could also just be a very large home. 'It seems, to be honest, to be a mistake in the planning application,' Murphy said in his Bluesky video. 'But still, there are strange things in terms of proposals for 16 places at two different dining tables and this type of thing.' 'I suspect the council will go back looking for more information, because it should be used as accommodation for people. It should be a house, or a house and a granny flat.' Want to be your own fact-checker? Visit our brand-new FactCheck Knowledge Bank for guides and toolkits The Journal's FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network's Code of Principles. You can read it here . For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out our Reader's Guide here . You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... It is vital that we surface facts from noise. Articles like this one brings you clarity, transparency and balance so you can make well-informed decisions. We set up FactCheck in 2016 to proactively expose false or misleading information, but to continue to deliver on this mission we need your support. Over 5,000 readers like you support us. If you can, please consider setting up a monthly payment or making a once-off donation to keep news free to everyone. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Remembrance Sunday rules changed to protect NI peace process
Tony Blair's government changed the rules on party leaders laying wreaths at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday to protect the Northern Ireland peace process, according to newly-released official files. Papers released by the National Archives show Northern Ireland secretary Paul Murphy said there were 'pressing political reasons' why the leaders of both the main unionist parties, David Trimble and the Rev Ian Paisley, should be able to take part in the ceremony. However other ministers warned of an 'adverse reaction' from the SNP and Plaid Cymru, who were restricted to laying a single joint wreath. Under rules drawn up in 1984, the leader of any party which secured six seats at the previous general election was entitled to lay a wreath during the ceremony led by the monarch. After the 2001 general election that meant Mr Trimble, whose Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) secured six seats, could take part, but Mr Paisley, the leader of the Democratic Unionists (DUP) with five, could not. But after Jeffrey Donaldson defected from the UUP to the DUP in 2003, the balance was reversed, and the DUP complained they were being treated unfairly compared with the UUP. In the run up to the 2004 ceremony, Mr Murphy told the constitutional affairs secretary, Lord Falconer, there would be 'real difficulties' if the 1984 formulation continued to apply to the Northern Ireland parties. 'We will undoubtedly face renewed pressure from the the DUP this year given that they are now not only the largest NI party but also have six Westminster MPs (and had done resoundingly well in the assembly and Euro elections),' he wrote. 'But we are now involved in intensive dialogue over the political future in Northern Ireland in which the DUP, and the UUP, are the key players. I fear, therefore, there are now pressing political reasons for amending the 1984 formulation.' He suggested it could be tweaked so both parties which had six MPs at the last election, and those with subsequently passed that threshold through by-elections or defections, could take part. Lord Falconer expressed concern that there was 'a certain awkwardness' in the proposal, which involved overturning a clearly established formula. 'There is a further difficulty in the Scottish Nationalists, like the Official Unionists currently have five seats at Westminster. If Mr Trimble continues to lay a wreath, they might argue that they should be allowed to do so also,' he wrote. 'However, it is in fact Plaid Cymru's turn to lay the wreath in 2004 on behalf of the joint parliamentary group. The result will be, apparently, that Northern Ireland lays two wreaths while Scotland lays none.' Nevertheless, the plan was agreed by No 10.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Vicious attack on Indian man a 'possible hate crime'
Gardaí are investigating a brutal attack on an Indian national by a gang of teenagers in south Dublin as a potential hate crime. The victim, aged in his 40s, was seriously assaulted and suffered cuts to his head, just above his eyes, and to his hands, at around 6pm on Saturday. The man appears to have been stripped of his trousers in the incident and purported photographs on him show bleeding and injuries on his face, arms and legs. The incident happened along Parkhill Road, in Kilnamanagh, Tallaght. It is understood hate motivation is one line of inquiry gardaí are investigating. A woman, who posted a message on social media, said she was one of a number of people who came to his aid and called the emergency services. She estimated the teenagers suspected of being involved in the attack were aged around 15 or 16. She said there were older adults there who were claiming the victim had been engaged in lewd behaviour at a nearby playground and alleged that that was why he was attacked. Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances behind the incident but sources have expressed serious doubt at these allegations. A garda statement said: 'Gardaí in Tallaght were alerted to an incident at Parkhill Road, Tallaght, on the evening of Saturday at approximately 6pm. Gardaí attended the scene and a male, aged in his 40s, was taken to Tallaght University Hospital with injuries. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station 01 666 6000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.' Local People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said 'The local community is in shock at this appalling attack. This appears to be the latest in a series of recent racially motivated attacks by a gang in the area. Those responsible must be found and stopped.' Read More Gardaí investigate whether attack on man in Dublin was hate crime
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Irish Times
Man violently assaulted and partially stripped by gang in Tallaght
Gardaí have opened an investigation after a man was violently assaulted and partially stripped by a group of attackers in Tallaght, Dublin , on Saturday. The man, who in his 40s and originally from India, was set upon by a group of young men and severely beaten before passersby came to his aid. Saturday's incident occurred at about 6pm and left the man bleeding from multiple wounds. The attackers had removed his trousers. The assault is being investigated as a possible hate crime, sources said. READ MORE It is understood the group had falsely accused the man of acting inappropriately around children. These claims were later spread online, including by prominent far-right and anti-immigrant accounts. Garda sources said there is no truth to accusations the man was acting inappropriately. 'Gardaí in Tallaght were alerted to an incident at Parkhill Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, on the evening of Saturday 19th, July, 2025, at approximately 6pm,' a Garda spokesman said. 'Gardaí attended the scene and a male, aged in his 40s was taken to Tallaght University Hospital with injuries.' The man was released from hospital early on Sunday morning. Investigators believe some of the attackers have carried out other unprovoked attacks on foreign nationals in the Tallaght area recently. Paul Murphy, a People Before Profit TD for the area, condemned the assault. 'It's horrifying to see a vicious attack like this happen in our neighbourhood. 'Responsibility lies not just with those who perpetrated the violence but also with those who have been spreading racist lies. The community is really shocked and outraged and will stand together against violence, hate and division.' There have been a number of incidents of foreign nationals being attacked in recent months after being falsely accused of inappropriate behaviour. Earlier this month, an asylum seeker in Limerick was assaulted after he was falsely accused by a far-right group of inappropriate approaches to young children. Videos were shared on social media, and gardaí believe the man was singled out for attack the next day by someone in Limerick who recognised him from the footage. The victim was an international protection applicant in his 40s from Afghanistan . Gardaí described as 'misinformation and disinformation' the videos of the man recorded in the city's People's Park as people surrounded him and accused him of inappropriate approaches to young children. Earlier this week, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said he is aware of instances of foreign nationals being falsely accused of crimes. 'Increasingly, you hear of people blaming immigrants for crimes. All I can say to you is: I have asked for the statistics and when you look at the prison population of people convicted of offences, the percentage of immigrants in prison is lower than the percentage of immigrants in society,' he said. 'So there's no substance to the suggestion that immigrants are more likely to commit a criminal offence.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
BBC pundits preview All-Ireland hurling final
All-Ireland hurling final: Cork v Tipperary Venue: Croke Park, Dublin Date: Sunday, 20 July Throw-in: 15:30 Coverage: Live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website; plus live text commentary, report, highlights and reaction on the BBC Sport website This year's showpiece occasion of the inter-county hurling season, the All-Ireland final, pits Cork against fellow Munster side Tipperary, the first time the two provincial rivals have contested the decider. As league and Munster champions, Cork start as pre-match favourites to land the Liam MacCarthy Cup at Croke Park on Sunday. The Rebels will be aiming for a 31st All-Ireland success and a first since 2005 as they seek to make amends for the heartache of their one-point extra-time defeat by Clare in the final 12 months ago. Tipperary target a 29th victory in the Dublin showdown, six years after their most recent triumph in 2019. The game will be broadcast live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and ahead of the final we have gathered the thoughts of two of our star-studded line-up of pundits - Kilkenny four-time All-Ireland winner Paul Murphy and Limerick five-time All-Ireland winner Seamus Flanagan, who give their verdict on the big match. History awaits as Munster giants clash at Croke All-Ireland hurling final - all you need to know Cork or Tipperary to win? Paul Murphy: "The Munster champions are hot favourites, particularly after beating Limerick in the Munster final. "Cork have been very impressive at various stages of the year, bar a few blips on the radar, including Limerick beating them in the round robin stage. "Tipperary have improved a lot better than many people would have expected, having failed to get out of Munster over the past couple of years. They really have been the big success story of this year. "When the sides met in the round robin stage Darragh McCarthy getting sent-off just at throw-in leaves us not knowing how these sides might size each other up as they played the entire game with 14 men. "That adds a bit more intrigue to the game. You can't take much from that day because Cork totally overwhelmed Tipperary. "Tipp come in as underdogs but they were very impressive in their semi-final [a 4-20 to 0-30 win over Kilkenny]. They'll realise they are just 70 minutes from winning an All-Ireland final. Anything can happen on the day. "A lot of the talk around them surrounds Patrick Horgan. Having not won an All-Ireland medal during his career, this could be his last chance. "After losing the All-Ireland final last year the way they did, after extra-time. I'm sure they'll be eager to put in a strong 70-minute performance. Seamus Flanagan: "Tipp v Cork in an All-Ireland hurling final is a novel pairing and not many people would have seen Tipperary getting to this stage but they are full value for their place in the final. "Cork come into with a resounding semi-final win over Dublin [7-26 to 2-21] - seven goals speaks for itself while Tipperary came through a tougher test against Kilkenny and that should stand to them coming into an All-Ireland final. "It's an exciting game. I think if Tipp can hold Cork to one or two goals in the game they will be there or thereabouts coming down the home straight but if Cork get that eye for goal early on, who knows what could happen? It could just open up. Talking tactics PM: "Cork have a marginally stronger bench to sustain them and they've been free scoring. Their full forward line is the most dangerous line they have. They were rampant in the semi-final, scoring those seven goals. "Brian Hayes is probably the one player on the field who is a frontrunner for Hurler of the Year at the moment. "Tipp have Eoghan Connolly at full back or centre back. He moves between both and he scored three points last time out. Tipp will probably be looking to play him at centre back in the hope that he can step forward and maybe get a few scores to help the forwards too. "Tipp are in with a good shout for us but I think everyone's favourites are Cork for this match. And the real fairytale story will be if Patrick Horgan can collect an All-Ireland medal after so many seasons with Cork. SF: "There are some interesting pair-ups. Eoin Downey picking up Jason Forde or John McGrath, again you would have said that Kilkenny's Huw Lawlor would have enough for the two boys in the semi-final, but they proved that class is permanent. "You're looking at the half-back line, Rob Downey picking up Andrew Ormond, a really quick player, a smart player. That'll be an interesting pair-up. "Midfield, I feel that Cork might have the upper hand in this one with Tim O'Mahony, and Darragh Fitzgibbon against Willie Connors and Conor Stakelum. I think it could be a Cork win on that front "In the forwards, Shane Barrett - will he be picking up Ronan Maher? Who knows. I feel that Ronan Maher may go back into that full-back role and pick up Patrick Horgan and Eoghan Connolly might move to six. "Then you're looking at the inside line of Cork. Patrick Horgan, Brian Hayes, Alan Connolly. Three lethal inside forwards and the Tipp full-back line are going to have to be at the top of their game to contain those boys."
