CONCERN has been raised following a number of false stories about developments in communities across Offaly.
Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack has questioned who benefits from creating unnecessary fear and uncertainty in communities in Belmont, Edenderry and Clara.
His comments follow recent speculation that an IPAS centre was to be established in Belmont after four modular homes were brought onto private land in the area.
"The homes are simply being stored on the land and have no connection with IPAS," a statement from the TD stressed.
Deputy McCormack confirmed categorically that there will be no IPAS centre in Belmont.
“People in Belmont had genuine questions and they deserved answers. I sought clarity on what was happening and I can give a clear and unequivocal assurance that there will be no IPAS centre in Belmont.
“What concerns me is how quickly something that wasn't true became part of the conversation and caused very real concern.”
The false claims included the circulation on social media of a fake front page of last week's Midland Tribune with a false story about an IPAS centre in Belmont.
Deputy McCormack said it was not the first example in recent times.
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