Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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506. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on works to develop a new accommodation centre for international protection applicants in an Office of Public Works-owned building in Shannon, County Clare; the number of persons he expects will be accommodated in this centre; when he expects it to become operational; what engagement he has had with other Departments on building additional capacity in the realms of education, public healthcare and public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14908/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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While all offers of accommodation received continue to be appraised, my Department is working with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to develop a proposal to use a state owned property in Shannon (Unit 153 Shannon Free Zone) for IPAS accommodation. This engagement 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 completion of works is a matter for the OPW.

The capacity available will not be confirmed until the detailed design phase is complete and agreed. My Department will engage with relevant services once work is further advanced on this project.