Newtown’s River Lodge Returns To HSE

River Lodge Trudder

atest press release from Cllr Louise Fenelon Gaskin, issued on Thursday, January 15th 2026…

I have been working for the past number of months to ensure River Lodge in Newtown was no longer used for an IPAS Centre as it is not a suitable site and is unsafe.

I am pleased to confirm I have received the following confirmation from Minister Colm Brophy’s office this morning as follows:

‘The Department undertook work to explore alternative development options to potentially repurpose River Lodge for other forms of accommodation during 2025.

‘Following Technical and financial assessments – particularly in relation to wastewater treatment infrastructure – it was deemed not possible to move forward with such proposals.

“It has now been agreed with the HSE that the site will be returned to them, bringing the licensed use of this site for IPAS accommodation to a conclusion.‘

I will now work with the HSE to see what proposals are being considered for its use and I will keep the community informed.