A Fine Gael senator has called for the closure of a loophole that lets derelict or vacant properties be converted into accommodation for international protection applicants without full planning permission, arguing this would strengthen public confidence in the planning system.

Senator Mark Duffy said: "The exemption as long as it exists will cause an ongoing breakdown in social cohesion and trust between communities, public representatives and local authorities.

"In every town and village in Ireland when work starts on any vacant or derelict building the immediate suspicion is that it would be used for International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) purposes.

"While not always the case, the lack of clarity for communities and local representatives is eroding trust and certainty. This is often fuelled by online agitators and some political representatives who use it for their own political gain."

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He argued that moving such projects through the standard planning process would provide greater certainty, so communities rely on verified, publicly available information rather than worst-case scenarios from unverified sources. He also said a clear mechanism to address concerns and dispel fears is needed but currently absent.

He added: "As the numbers of arrivals in Ireland is reducing, now is the time to end this planning exemption. Currently it is being exploited by private speculators who have no humanitarian motivation, only a financial one.

"I've observed examples in Mayo where some property owners have been given a planning exemption and carry out works on buildings, without the certainty of a state contract. The developer then applies for planning retention, which changes the use of the property from IPAS to regular residential."

Duffy said unintended consequences are undermining public faith in planning. "It can be both difficult and expensive for couples to get through the planning process for their one-off forever home, and for developers with larger housing projects in towns.

"The double standards created by this planning exemption is pitting people against each other and creating a level of resentment in society, which is being preyed upon by those who exploit it online and in communities."