*Photograph: Joe Buckley
PHOENIX HOUSE located in the heart of Shannon Town is to be used for student accommodation.
Up until June of last year, Phoenix House had been accommodating Ukrainian refugees before they were moved suddenly, 75 of which were relocated to Lisdoonvarna. The building which was formerly the headquarters of Shannon Development, accommodated in the region of 200 Ukrainians since the outbreak of war.
It has now emerged that the building will be used for student accommodation with students of the world renowned Shannon College of Hotel Management earmarked for the premises.
Last month, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed that Phoenix House had not been offered for the accommodation of international protection applicants nor were they examining it for future use.
This statement followed a query from UGP Shannon SC Limited to Clare County Council asking if the change of use from long-term vacant office building to residential temporary accommodation was classed as development and if it was deemed exempted development. The Council clarified that it did constitute development with temporary exemption to allow for the purpose of accommodating people seeking international protection until the end of 2028.
On Tuesday, Clare TD Donna McGettigan (SF) met with the owners of the shopping centre, Shannon Town Centre who confirmed that Phoenix House will be used for student accommodation.
Speaking following her meeting with Tom Coughlan, Deputy McGettigan stated, “Tom has been aware of the needs of students and I’m sure we all see it ourselves on our social media that when apprenticeships are starting or the world renowned Hotel College is starting its new term, we become inundated with people looking for places to stay. This will also tie in nicely with the new apprenticeships announced in the last few days.
I wish Tom all the best on this.
“In terms of housing in Clare, it is a huge issue and these units probably wouldn’t suit families or long-term housing needs. Housing is something I will continue to push and advocate for as I always do every day”.
Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) sad he spoke with the owner “a few weeks back, he didn’t seem keen to go public at the time”. He added, “I’d also spoken to the Hotel College, again I would respect their privacy at that time. I am delighted with this news and wish them all the very best of success”.
