Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
103. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide details of all individuals, community groups, elected representatives, NGOs, or other stakeholders met by his Department’s community engagement team in relation to the use of locations (details supplied) for international protection accommodation since January 2021; and the dates and locations of such meetings. [50551/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide monthly data on the occupancy of a location (details supplied) since December 2021, showing maximum and average occupancy figures, categories of residents accommodated for example international protection applicants and beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine; the details of services provided onsite; the number of staff employed by the service providers at the facility; and the total State payments made for this accommodation in 2021 to 2024 and to date in 2025. [50552/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of responses received to the expression of interest issued in or around May 2024 regarding the acquisition, lease, or use of properties for International protection accommodation; if locations (details supplied) were referenced in any such responses; and to provide a list of general geographic areas of properties proposed. [50553/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to publish or place in the Oireachtas Library the current contracts or service-level agreements governing the use of locations (details supplied) for International protection accommodation; the clauses which exist within these agreements to ensure compliance with statutory requirements including planning permission, fire safety certification, and building control laws; and to confirm whether such compliance documentation has been received and inspected by his Department. [50554/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra107. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide the timelines, assessments, or consultations relating to the decision to make the use of locations (details supplied) for International protection accommodation permanent, and the intended use of associated land included in the purchase; and if the Government will commit that no additional buildings will be developed on this land, or no modular homes will be installed for accommodation purposes in the future. [50555/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether any value for money assessments or independent evaluations have been conducted in relation to the State’s purchase of a location (details supplied); and if he will publish the results. [50556/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has carried out an assessment of the impact of the use on local services including schools, healthcare, and transport of a facility (details supplied); and if he will provide copies of the assessments. [50557/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the inspections which have been carried out by independent bodies such as fire services, local authorities, or HIQA in relation to the use of a facilities (details supplied) as accommodation; and to publish the findings. [50558/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide details of Garda vetting and training requirements for staff working at facilities (details supplied); and if audits have been carried out to ensure compliance. [50559/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the legal basis on which the use of locations (details supplied) proceeded without planning permission or exemption being sought; and if his Department accepts that this sets a precedent for future developments [50560/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 112, inclusive, together.
The State purchase of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre for international protection accommodation is now completed.
The purchase of the site is a key part of the Government’s strategy to develop a stable and sustainable accommodation system for people seeking international protection. State-owned centres are part of the Government’s long-term plan to reduce the reliance on private accommodation providers resulting in better value for money of public funds and a more efficient international protection system.
The full purchase price for the Citywest centre (including VAT) was €148,253,530 which is in line with the Government decision of 17 June 2025. Compared to the costs of the previous leasing model, the savings to the State will pay back the purchase price within 4 years. The State is estimated to save €1 billion over 25 years, compared to the current model for leasing the site, while also delivering a permanent State asset.
The Department carried out a number of surveys including technical, mechanical and fire safety for the site as part of a detailed due diligence process followed to secure this purchase
A 12-month transitional service agreement has been put in place with the current provider to oversee the management and provision of accommodation services for both the main hotel and the convention centre. The existing workforce has been maintained under the transitional agreement. Over the coming 12 months a process to tender for a provider to run the Citywest complex will be completed.
The Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre has successfully supported accommodation and decision-processing by the State for a number of years, and currently provides capacity for 2,300 people, with both international protection applicants and people from Ukraine resident in the Hotel and Convention Centre.
The Department does not routinely publish occupancy figures for accommodation centres, for privacy and security reasons, and also because occupancy levels vary from day to day for operational reasons.
In terms of planning permission, this is an existing accommodation centre for people seeking international protection and for people fleeing the war in Ukraine who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection which is deemed an exempted development under the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations (S.I. 605 of 2022).
The Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations (S.I. 605 of 2022) were introduced to assist the State in meeting Ireland’s legal obligation to provide accommodation to international protection applicants.
As a hotel and convention centre, the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre’s change of use is permitted as exempt development under the provisions of Class 20F of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 4) Regulations (S.I. 605 of 2022).
The Regulations 2023 (S.I. 376 of 2023) extended the planning exemption provided by S.I. 605 of 2022, from 31 December 2024 to 31 December 2028.
In terms of other potential purchases, an Expression of Interest (EOI) process was launched in 2024 for the sourcing of suitable properties for acquisition or lease. 134 submissions have been received. These options are being assessed.
IPAS centres are subject to rigorous inspection and oversight. Centres are contractually obligated to be maintained to National Standards, with independent inspection and quality control through either the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) or IPAS-commissioned inspections.
IPAS accommodation centres are staffed by accommodation providers who employ managers and staff working in centres. Centre management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate vetting is in place for various centres and staff, and for providing assurance to IPAS and the Department that this is in place.
Contracts for international protection accommodation are treated as confidential and commercially sensitive, but details of all payments to accommodation providers are published regularly on gov.ie at [IPAS Statistics/Facts and Figures].
The Community Engagement Team was established at the end of 2023. In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, since the purchase of the site was confirmed, the Community Engagement Team has been engaging broadly with local stakeholders, including members of the Community Integration Forum in South Dublin County Council.
The Department is committed to ensuring that the local community has access to accurate information and that structures to plan for provision of essential and support services, such as healthcare and education, are in place to assist with the integration process.
Since 19 June 2025, the Community Engagement Team has held 8 engagement meetings with stakeholders and provided 7 information notes to local elected representatives.
A dedicated webpage to support the community to keep them informed of developments has been published at www.gov.ie/citywest and is updated regularly.
