While the correspondence referenced by the Deputy was not received directly by my Department, this important matter remains under ongoing consideration, and my Department is continuing to engage across Government in relation to requests for accommodation or other supports that are required from the Defence Organisation in response to the refugee crisis.
Following a request from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, lands at Gormanston military installation, Co. Meath were made available for emergency accommodation and for use as a reception centre for Ukrainian nationals from July until October 2022.
Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee, has also been made available to Kerry County Council at their request to accommodate Ukrainian nationals, with a current capacity for up to 60 occupants.
The military installation at Kilbride Camp, Co. Wicklow has been made available to the Department of Integration for emergency short term accommodation since November 2022 with a maximum initial capacity for 75 occupants, which increased to capacity for 130 occupants in January on completion of refurbishment works. The Camp is currently being used to accommodate International Protection (IP) applicants at the request of Department of Integration.
The Defence Forces have provided tentage and engineering support at a site in Knockalisheen, Co. Clare following a request for assistance from Department of Integration. The Defence Forces tents erected on site provide additional accommodation for up to 104 IP applicants at an existing Direct Provision centre. This site is a Department of Defence landholding which was already in use as a Direct Provision centre.
Grounds of former Columb Barracks, Mullingar are being made available to Department of Integration for temporary accommodation, and planning is underway for the installation of prefabricated accommodation units on site. As an interim measure, in response to the current and critical shortage of single male International Protection (IP) applicant accommodation for those arriving in-country, it has recently been agreed that the site may be used for emergency short term tented accommodation, with the Defence Forces providing tents as well as engineering and logistical support in preparing the site. This site is expected to become operational in March 2023.
In addition to the accommodation supports outlined above, the Defence Forces continue to provide logistical assistance to Department of Integration and HSE in a range of areas (transport and set up and provision of furniture and equipment etc.).
The Air Corps on behalf of the HSE have completed five air ambulances from Poland with Ukrainian patients plus their families. The Department of Defence continues to engage with Department of Housing and the HSE in support of potential future similar assistance.
The Defence Forces provided support to the Irish Red Cross in progressing the pledges of accommodation received, finishing on 6 May 2022 as agreed with the IRC.
In addition, Civil Defence units across the country continue to provide supports at local authority level for Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland. This includes assisting at temporary rest centres. They are also providing transport for school registration and medical appointments etc.
My Department will continue to work closely with Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs in relation to the provision of the accommodation and other supports required from the Defence Organisation.
