As at 29 October, there are over 25,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole, compared with 16,000 people at this time last year. There are currently 651 international protection applicants (IPs) accommodated in Co. Kerry.
The Department continues to explore all offers of accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) in as far as it can. There remains an acute shortfall with respect to accommodation, and the Department is working to bring further properties into use to ensure that all those who arrive in Ireland seeking shelter can be accommodated.
While the Department acknowledges accommodation capacity may be limited in the area as a result of the current emergency situation, its actions are guided by the need to contract temporary accommodation in order to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine and those seeking International Protection. I will raise the issue of service provision with my Cabinet colleagues, as requested during my recent meeting with public representatives from the County.
The Government is stepping up action to maximise the pace and scale of delivery on the accommodation strategy for people seeking international protection in Ireland. This includes an expanded programme of work and the development and use of alternative sites. However, given the extent of the crisis and elevated number of arrivals, the development of suitable and sufficient alternative accommodation will take time to become available.
