Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has admitted that Ireland is “not in a position to guarantee accommodation” for all Ukrainian refugees, and others seeking international protection.
On Friday, Cabinet approved a new accommodation strategy worth €20m, the Irish Mirror reports. Ministers also met to discuss the new programme, which is expected to see the refurbishment of buildings to house asylum seekers in Ireland.
It is understood that Thornton Hall in north Dublin is among those being considered for the programme, which comes after it had been earmarked for a so-called “super prison”. An Accommodation Working Group has been established to support the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Housing and the Office of Public Works (OPW) to deliver homes.
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An expanded programme of work has now been agreed by Government that will allow consideration of commercial properties and sites for development, refurbishment or purchase and the use of alternative modular buildings. Speaking in Wexford, the Taoiseach confirmed that the new plan had been signed off by ministers and that both Ukrainian refugees and International Protection Seekers will continue to arrive throughout the year.
Mr Varadkar said: “[Refugees] keep coming and people will keep coming out. We need to make sure that we're better equipped to accommodate more new arrivals. “€20 million as an initial allocation was allocated to them.
“Essentially what they're doing is two things; Refurbishing any building we can find to make it fit for people to live in and also looking at a number of State-owned sites around the country where we'll be able to put in small housing units, modular accommodation.
“Five [have been] identified which would be able to accommodate on a more permanent basis throughout the year," he added. Mr Varadkar said that it is unknown if this plan will successfully accommodate all those who arrive in Ireland, saying that 3,000 people are seeking refuge here every month.
The Taoiseach said that there is no indication yet how many hotels and B&Bs that are currently accommodating refugees will not renew their contracts. It is expected some will revert to tourism and the Government has to “plan for that”, he said.
Mr Varadkar added: “We're not in a position to guarantee accommodation for everyone, unfortunately. But nobody will be turned away. We will do our best to provide accommodation, healthcare, education, heat and light for people in need.”
The OPW confirmed to the Irish Mirror that 700 modular housing units have been ordered. The first tranche will be delivered in quarter two or quarter three of this year.
A spokesman said: “Locations in Cavan Town (28 units), Mahon in Cork (64 units), Thurles (62 units), Sligo (22 units), Claremorris (28 units) and Rathdowney (42 units) are being progressed. A second tranche of sites for the installation of the balance of the 500 homes is currently being assessed for suitability and will be finalised and confirmed over the coming weeks.”
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