Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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There are currently over 29,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole (of whom nearly 7,000 are children) compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022. Together with Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection displaced by the war in Ukraine, this means that Ireland is now accommodating over 100,000 people in state-supported accommodation

This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. Since January 2022, the Department has brought over 200 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that families and children have been accommodated.

Abbey Manor Hotel, Dromahair, Co Leitrim has a capacity of 155 and will provide accommodation for families with children and adult males.

On 29 April, the High Court rejected a challenge by Leitrim County Council to prevent the hotel from being used as IPAS accommodation. The Department is now proceeding to use the property to accommodate IP applicants.

The Department has agreed terms with the provider and the contract is being finalised.