Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
435. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what engagement his Department has had with the wider community of Coole, County Westmeath regarding the repurposing of Coole Court for use by International Protection Accommodation Services. [49624/23]
View answerAs at 29th October 2023, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is providing accommodation to over 25,000 people seeking refuge in Ireland, and since January 2022 have brought over 190 properties into use to ensure that all those who arrive in Ireland seeking shelter can be accommodated.
A Community Engagement Team (CET) has been established to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals. The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.
A briefing note which included detailed information in relation to the accommodation, issued from the CET to local, public representatives on 13 October 2023 concerning this property. This briefing note also issued to the Local Authority and the Local Development Company (LDC).
The CET recently met with public representatives, the LDC, community groups and residents regarding the use of Coole Court to accommodate international protection applicants and is following up on a number of queries raised at that meeting.
