Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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466. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update following the design team meeting at a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11038/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department’s collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to use a State owned property in Shannon (Unit 153 Shannon Free Zone) for International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation is ongoing.

My officials have advised OPW that it is satisfied with the proposed layout for the centre. The OPW has now moved into a detailed design phase and has submitted a request for a Contractor to price the works.

The OPW will review the price proposal and if it is fair and reasonable and approved by my Department, the project will progress with the current Contractor.

However, if the price is excessive, then the detailed design will be issued to the other framework members to price.

In view of the acute accommodation shortage experienced by IPAS at the moment, it is crucial that this facility is available for use to accommodate international protection applicants as soon as possible.