Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)

There are reports the Citywest complex in Saggart will be purchased by the State to become a public IPAS centre. Citywest currently accommodates 2,000 people seeking refuge. It is deeply disappointing residents and elected representatives only heard this from newspaper reports. Deputy Ó Broin and I have contacted the Minister for Justice to try to get answers on behalf of residents and none have been forthcoming.

We are strongly of the view no decision should be made about the future of Citywest without real and meaningful engagement with local residents, community and elected representatives. Following a meeting with the Saggart Village Residents' Association, we have written to the Minister urging him to have a meeting with the local community as a matter of urgency to discuss their concerns. Is the Government considering purchasing Citywest as a public IPAS centre? Can the Taoiseach ask the Minister to meet the people of Saggart?

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