Ireland is currently accommodating more than 101,000 people seeking safety and shelter, between people fleeing war in Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. Over 200 properties are being used to accommodate people across every county.
Despite the efforts of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth, there are not enough beds available to accommodate everyone who needs one, particularly for single adult males. As a result, it is not able to provide accommodation to all single male international protection (IP) applicants. The most vulnerable people are being accommodated, others will be offered accommodation as soon as its available.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth is now also experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children. This follows a significant increase in the number of families seeking accommodation. In the last two months the need for family accommodation has increased considerably.
The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) has responded to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. A full assessment of the property has been completed, all requirements are in place and a contract has been signed. It will be brought into use in the near future to provide accommodation for people applying for International Protection.
The Community Engagement Team is engaging with all local representatives, the Local Authority and the Community Response Forum. It has provided them with detailed accurate information about the planned use of the property. The team has also liaised with all relevant national services to ensure that they have the relevant information they need to inform and respond to service provision locally. This includes services for social welfare, health, education, transport, justice, and the HSE, An Garda Síochána, the local integration teams and local development office.
As part of the Budget 2024, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin, T.D. is making up to €10 million available for a programme of supports targeted at those downstream tourism businesses experiencing particular challenges linked to the reduction in footfall in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement. This programme of supports includes investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.
Fáilte Ireland is now working on the operational details of this scheme and further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
