There are over 28,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole (of whom 6,669 are children). Compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022. Together with Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection displaced by the war in Ukraine, this means that Ireland is now accommodating over 100,000 people in state-supported accommodation
This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. Since January 2022, the Department has brought over 200 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that families and children have been accommodated. However, due to increased arrivals of families and couples in tandem with delays in opening some properties, there is an imminent possibility of a shortage of family accommodation.
The D Hotel has been offered to the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) and contracted to provide accommodation to International Protection (IP) applicants under the emergency appraisal process. It is functioning as a dispersal centre for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) with families in residence for a short period of time before transfer to an alternative centre.
At the end of March 2024 a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for IP applicants was announced following a review with input from the White Paper Programme Board and the External Advisory Group.
The reforms will see a move away from full reliance on private providers and towards increased State-owned accommodation, delivering 14,000 State-owned beds by 2028 – quadruple the previous commitment under the White Paper. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers. It is the intention of this new strategy to end the use of unsuitable accommodation options currently relied upon, such as the sole hotel remaining in a given town.
Ireland is and always has been a welcoming place and the Irish people are fundamentally aware of and support the provision of shelter for those seeking refuge in the State. The State must seek to provide a large scale supply which will allow it to better manage arrivals, better manage the allocation of refugees around the country, and move away from over-reliance on short term private providers.
