Paul Hogan vs. The System: Standing Up for Athlone

In this episode, Niall speaks with Cllr. Paul Hogan about the heated controversy surrounding the new temporary accommodation center at Lissywollen, Athlone. The government plans to house up to 1,000 single adult males in tents and modular units on an 11-acre site, but the decision has drawn significant criticism from local residents and elected officials, who feel blindsided by the lack of consultation and concerned about the strain on already stretched resources.

Paul explains how the notification arrived at an unusual time, saying, “The first we heard of it was on the 7th of October—an email late in the evening after most dignitaries had left town following Mary O’Rourke’s funeral.” Construction began the very next morning, leaving no time for community engagement.

He describes the scale of the development, stating, “It’s a population increase of approximately 10% overnight without additional services or investment in the community. That’s unacceptable.” Paul also highlights his legal fight against the project, referencing decades-old legislation still active under Irish law: “You shouldn’t be able to circumvent environmental and planning law. If it’s proven that this is the case, then the site is unlawful, and the development must stop.”

Paul voices frustration over what he calls a lack of genuine dialogue: “Decisions are being made behind closed doors. The community engagement team only came in a week after construction had started—it’s not engagement, it’s box-ticking.” He also calls out government hypocrisy, noting, “Ministers object to housing in their own areas under the guise of ‘legitimate concerns,’ yet dismiss ours when we raise environmental and community impact issues.”

This episode examines the broader implications of emergency housing decisions on local communities, with Paul’s legal challenge potentially shaping how such developments are handled nationwide.