Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 July 2026
41. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the transfer of River Lodge, Newtownmountkennedy from his Department to the HSE; the timeline for the site to be returned to the HSE; the planned future use of the site; the level of ongoing day to day costs; the status of any existing contracts with providers at the site, including security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49885/26]
View answerRiver Lodge, Newtownmountkennedy was offered to IPAS by the HSE in February 2024 and was used to provide tented emergency accommodation during a time of increased pressure on the international protection system.
Accommodation was provided from early May to December 2024. The site provided tented accommodation with capacity for 96 residents.
Due to severe weather conditions in December 2024, residents had to be moved from the site to alternative accommodation. A process to explore alternative development options to potentially repurpose River Lodge for other forms of accommodation was carried out.
Following technical and financial assessments - particularly in relation to wastewater treatment infrastructure - it was deemed not possible to move forward with such proposals. It has been agreed with the HSE that the site will be returned to them, bringing the licensed use of this site for IPAS accommodation to a conclusion.
Some minor works will be required on site as part of the return, and the department is working closely with the HSE to agree the scope of this, and this process will inform the timeline. It is intended that the site will be returned to the HSE as soon as possible pending these works being completed.
Costs of the site in 2025 and 2026 are provided below, including costs of establishing the site, utilities and services, accommodation costs, and security.
The Department is maintaining security on the site while the transfer to the HSE is completed. In February 2026, the Department undertook a review of security services at River Lodge. Following appraisal, efficiencies were identified which resulted in cost savings at the site.
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TABLE: COSTS RELATING TO NEWTOWNMOUNTKENNEDY SITE |
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REFERENCE |
2025 incl. VAT |
2026 incl. VAT |
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Site establishment and maintenance |
€2,000 |
€3,766.79 |
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Fuel |
€38,193.45 |
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Generator |
€11,444.04 |
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Accommodation and Services |
€75,044.85 |
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Security |
€1,302,515.88 |
€310,196.16 |
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Total |
€1,429,198.22 |
€313,962.95 |
