Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
139. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a contract was signed with the owners of the former ESB offices in East Wall for the provision of accommodation at that premises; the total cost to date of the purchase, rent or refurbishment of all or part of the building; the total estimated capacity of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59607/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Two Gateway Accommodation Centre at East Wall was opened on 18 November. The capacity of the building at East Wall is 380 persons, made of up families and single adults on distinct access controlled floors. There are currently 80 single international protection applicants living in the building. The next arrivals will be families.
Residents will be accommodated mainly in twin bedrooms and in family rooms ranging from four up to six beds per room to a small number of dormitory style bedrooms.
There is a contract in place with the provider to use the building for 12 months initially.
My Department is not in a position to comment on the total cost to date of the purchase, rent or refurbishment of all or part of the building as this is commercially sensitive information.
As of 20 November 2022, there are 17,518 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) system as a whole. Of this total 3,655 are children. At this point in 2021, there were approximately 7,250 people in IPAS accommodation.
The pressure on the State to accommodate over 65,000 people currently has led to significant shortages particularly for the international protection cohort.
Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been circa 40 accommodation locations utilised since January across 13 counties.
The Department is availing of all offers of accommodation made to it, including the use of office buildings and sports facilities, to address the accommodation shortfall. These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.
I trust this information clarifies the matter.
