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 seventeen weeks of 2023, almost 3,200 people have arrived seeking protection.
In addition, the Department has had to re-accommodate over 2,500 people in situations where hotel and short term emergency locations have ended in 2023. As at 8 May, there are 557 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 requested an application for a Declaration pursuant to section 5 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, concerning the proposed use of the property as private accommodation for persons seeking international protection, and certain limited internal works carried out to update and maintain the property.
In accordance with Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, any person may request a declaration as to whether development is exempt. The provider is now awaiting a response from Kildare County Council.
