Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
160. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of international protection applicants who are accommodated in tented accommodation; and the location of those sites in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52218/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, the pressure on the State to accommodate over 58,000 people currently has led to significant shortages, particularly for those seeking international protection. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used, with any remaining applicants being moved to the Citywest Transit hub on a temporary basis.
Officials continue to seek accommodation solutions to the increasing numbers of International Protection arrivals. Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, the Department has no option but to consider all offers of accommodation.
Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been a total of 30 accommodation locations utilised since January across 13 counties. These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals and to prevent homelessness.
The Department is availing of all offers of accommodation made to it, including the use of office buildings, sports facilities and tented structures, to address the accommodation shortfall.
There is currently tented accommodation at three locations with 319 people accommodated. The details are set out in the table below:
|
Location |
Number accommodated |
|
Athlone, Co Westmeath, |
175 |
|
Knockalisheen, Co Clare |
104 |
|
Johnston Marina, Co Kerry |
40 |
