My Department is currently providing accommodation to approximately 43,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) fleeing the war in Ukraine and almost 31,400 International Protection (IP) applicants from a variety of countries.
The accommodation to which the Deputy refers was contracted to provide accommodation to BOTPs. There are currently 80 vacant contracted beds at this property. The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) intends to use these vacancies in this accommodation to accommodate IP applicants. My Department does not plan to increase the current contracted capacity for this location.
The Department continues to work intensively to source beds for IPs. More than 6,000 have been brought on since the beginning of the year. 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 230 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection.
My Department’s Community Engagement Team liaises directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals.
The provision of accommodation, health, education, income and other supports, as appropriate, to both those arriving from Ukraine and International Protection applicants is an ongoing focus of the work of all of Government. The ongoing whole-of-government response involves a range of Departments and agencies, as well as local government. Additional resources and new processes and structures to integrate expertise and efforts are in place. These are being deployed to address the issues arising in what is an extremely challenging situation.
