The State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people in 319 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country, over 9,500 of whom are children.
At the moment, approximately 5,000 people in IPAS accommodation have a legal status allowing them to remain in Ireland. This is not a static number of people; approximately 10,000 people with status have moved out of IPAS accommodation since 2022, and just over 3,000 this year to date.
When a person completes their international protection application and receives a positive decision, they have a legal status that allows them to remain in Ireland. This also means they gain access to the full range of housing supports available to all Irish residents, which are not available to people going through the application process.
There is a need for people with status to transition living independently in our communities, improving their integration into our society while also creating space within IPAS accommodation for newer arrivals.
It is essential that IPAS maintains enough accommodation to meet the needs of new applicants, who have a legal entitlement to IPAS accommodation, do not have immediate access to the labour market, and do not have access to standard housing benefits or standard social welfare entitlements.
To help people move from IPAS accommodation to find housing options in the community, IPAS has a team that works in collaboration with DePaul Ireland, the Peter McVerry Trust, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Local Authorities.
Single people and couples are offered transfer to alternative emergency IPAS accommodation once they have status over six months. In March 2025, 600 families with status over one year were written to, and offered transfer to alternative emergency IPAS accommodation.
While the Department does not comment on individual cases, when making decisions on potential transfers within the IPAS accommodation system, the Department has to make use of the limited capacity available in the best way possible. The accommodation system is very dynamic, with people and families moving into and out of centres each week.
In relation to the property mentioned, the Department commenced a new contract at this property earlier this year and the centre continues to provide accommodation to families seeking international protection in Ireland.
This and all centres with available beds will continue to be considered for resident moves and arrivals.
