As the Deputy is aware, last year, over 15,000 people arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation while their applications for international protection are processed by the International Protection Office (IPO). In the first fifteen weeks of 2023, almost 3,000 people have arrived seeking protection.
In addition, the Department has had to re-accommodate almost 2,000 people in situations where hotel and short term emergency locations have ended in 2023. As at 17 April, there are 513 newly arrived international protection applicants who have not been accommodated by IPAS, many of whom have no accommodation at all.
In this severely pressurised context, the Department has been informed that the provider for the property in question has referred the declaration made by Kildare County Council for review by An Board Pleanála. It is important to note that the provider has advised the Department that in the opinion of their planning consultant, the change of the property's use to provide accommodation for international protection applicants does not amount to a material change of use and that planning permission is not required.
Pending the outcome of these matters, the Department has decided to utilise the facility such is the pressure on the state accommodation system currently.
In light of the very real and immediate pressure, it was decided that the property must be used immediately to accommodate 80 female International Protection applicants. IPAS began to move in the new residents on Friday 31 March.
While the Department notes the concerns of local residents regarding the use of the property the Department must avail of all accommodation offers made to it in order to meet the basic needs of applicants, to comply with Ireland’s obligations under national and EU law and to prevent homelessness in as far as it can.
With respect to sewage and waste water, the provider has been made aware of the issues faced by a local resident and has assured the Department that should any issues be forthcoming they will be addressed immediately. The provider has also confirmed to the Department that there is ample common areas for residents in the property. Contractual matters in respect of IPAS properties are considered commercially sensitive, however, emergency contracts of this kind are normally for a period of 12 months initially.
We recognise that some local residents will not be happy with this decision, however, it is one that is absolutely necessary in light of the legal obligations on the State and on myself as Minister.
