The Department engages with relevant stakeholders and accommodation service providers as appropriate to ensure that international protection applicants placed in accommodation in isolated areas will have access to transportation for basic requirements. The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) try to ensure in as far as possible that International Protection (IP) applicants are not located in remote locations however, given the current demand for accommodation, this is not always possible.
In situations where an accommodation centre is located in an area without public transport links within a 2km radius, with manageable access, IPPS will ensure that a shuttle bus service to a nearby town or public transport stop is provided.
In the case of DeBurgh Manor/Bert House, the accommodation centre is located less than one kilometre from Kilberry, Co. Kildare, which is served by Local Link Route 883 Athy-Newbridge.
To facilitate additional transport for IP applicants residing at the accommodation centre, there is a shuttle service contracted five days a week for trips to and from the accommodation centre and Athy. The service provides a pickup and drop off from the accommodation centre, Monday to Friday. This shuttle bus service allows residents to access recreational, educational, medical facilities and other services.
