International Protection

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Questions (1665)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Question:

1665. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the current contract between the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and a hotel (details supplied), is due to cease; if the facility will be discontinued as an IPAS centre and permitted to return to operation as a hotel; the plans the Department has regarding the future use of this facility; and the assessment has been made of the impact of its continued use as an IPAS centre on tourism and local businesses in Roscrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74735/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

A large number of IPAS Accommodation Centres and Ukraine Accommodation Centres were brought into operation from 2022 to 2024. This was due to the arrival of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, and an unprecedented surge in applications for international protection during this period.

The Department has a contract in place to provide international protection accommodation at this location, which is due to expire in February 2026. All contractual discussions are treated as confidential and commercially sensitive while they are ongoing.

The provision of accommodation for international protection applicants is demand-led, and each premises is considered on a case-by-case basis to decide if the contract will be renewed as it approaches its end date.

At renewal stage, consideration is given to the current and projected demand for accommodation, the provider's performance under contract, and compliance with standards, building and planning regulations, and other legal obligations.

Contracts that are renewed are often of one or two-year duration, to afford flexibility to the State and work towards longer-term investment in State sites and reduced reliance on commercial accommodation.