Clare County Council is considering its options, after An Bord Pleanala ruled that a guesthouse in Ennis could not be converted into a homeless hostel without first receiving planning permission.
The Planning Authority has ruled that the change of use of Westbrook House, located on the Gort Road, was not exempt from the planning process.
Residents in the area had objected to the Council’s moves to convert the facility into a homeless shelter – the local authority is now the owner of the property.
Council management say they’re liaising with residents, and that they are considering their options, telling local representatives that the facility had been used for emergency accommodation when under private ownership.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn says other residents in the area have been “terrorised” by the behaviour of some people accommodated at Westbrook House.
