The High Court has ruled that proceedings challenging the establishment of an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre at the former Crown Paints site in Coolock were rendered moot following the Government’s public announcement that it no longer intends to develop the facility.
Delivering an ex tempore judgment, Mr Justice David Holland held that the Court has jurisdiction of its own motion to determine mootness, notwithstanding the parties’ preference to proceed. He found that to compel adjudication would risk the Court issuing advisory opinions in contravention of its constitutional role.
The plaintiffs had challenged the proposed use of the site, raising issues of planning, environmental law, and the accommodation of international protection applicants. Interlocutory relief was refused in October 2024.
The judge held that neither the importance of the legal issues raised, nor the plaintiffs’ request for declaratory relief, justified hearing moot claims, emphasising that such proceedings should only be entertained “exceptionally, reluctantly, sparingly, with caution.”
Accordingly, the Court refused to hear the moot aspects of the case and invited submissions from the parties on the residual issues and the appropriate form of order.
The ex tempore judgment may be accessed here.