Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
516. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of a direct provision centre (details supplied) in County Donegal; when the first families will be moving in following the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7859/21]
View answerThe new international protection accommodation centre in Port Road, Letterkenny is now almost ready to open. The opening is subject to an inspection to be carried out by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPSS) of my Department, to ensure all requirements as per the tendering process have been met.
My officials in IPAS have engaged with all relevant state agencies operating in the Letterkenny area to ensure that appropriate services are in place for the new families including the placement of children in local schools. IPAS has also written to a variety of NGOs and are engaging with local community groups and organisations to assist with the families settling into their new homes.
In addition my Department has engaged with local representatives to arrange for the centre to be visited by them prior to the opening.
I now expect that the accommodation will open in early March, with the first families arriving to their new apartments shortly after that, with further arrivals being accommodated on a phased basis.
