Written answers
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
International Protection
Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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572. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has approached the Department of Justice to acquire Thornton Hall in north County Dublin to house international protection applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18043/24]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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On the 27th March 2024 Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS) for International Protection applicants. The strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.
Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the following multi-strand approach:
1. Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units
2. Conversion of commercial buildings
3. Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties
4. Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres
5. Upgrading of IPAS Centres
Work has begun to deliver on the new strategy including engaging with the Irish Prison Service on the possibility of developing some of the Thorthon Hall site for IP accommodation. A process to investigate the viability of the site is currently ongoing. Once this process is completed DCEDIY will discuss further with the Irish Prison Service any next steps.
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