State Halts New Asylum Seeker Centres Due to Local Feedback and Protests | Irish Times Update

Ireland’s Asylum Seeker Accommodation Crisis: Policy Shifts and Growing Challenges

Ireland is grappling with a significant accommodation crisis for asylum seekers, marked by policy adjustments, rising numbers, and increasing resistance. Internal government documents reveal a shift in strategy, with the government halting the opening of new asylum seeker accommodation centers in specific areas due to “local and political feedback.” This decision, impacting areas like north inner-city Dublin and certain counties, underscores the complexities of managing international protection applicants amidst societal pressures.

policy Changes and Their Impact

In 2024, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), an agency within the Department of Integration, implemented a policy to stop accepting particular “properties and locations.” This included hotels considered the “last hotel in town” and properties in counties previously used for Ukrainian refugees. The rationale behind these decisions is multifaceted, influenced by both logistical considerations and local sentiments. Some hotels formerly housing Ukrainians were deliberately allowed to revert to tourism, further limiting available accommodations.

• Strategic Restrictions: IPAS has strategically restricted the acceptance of certain property types.
• Tourism Prioritization: Some accommodations were redirected towards tourism.
• “Local and Political Feedback”: The government acknowledges the impact of local sentiment on accommodation policies.

The Scale of the Influx and Accommodation Shortages

The demand for accommodation is escalating, driven by a sharp increase in asylum seeker arrivals. More than 18,000 asylum seekers entered Ireland in 2024, and projections estimate an additional 15,000 in 2025. This surge has placed immense pressure on the existing accommodation infrastructure. Currently,IPAS houses 33,000 international protection applicants,representing a staggering 400 percent increase since 2021.Despite these efforts, IPAS has been unable to provide accommodation for 3,000 single male applicants, highlighting the severity of the shortage. Less than half of all international protection applicants are men, and about one in four are children.

Resistance and security Concerns

One of the most pressing challenges faced by officials is the rise of “violent protest and criminality.” The documents highlight that “fairly uniquely in the Civil Service, the work of the division is subject to significant instances of protest, instances of arson and othre violence or criminality, and targeting by anti-immigration or far-right activists.” Between august 2023 and August 2024, there were 33 arson attacks recorded against planned, actual, or rumored IPAS accommodations. These acts of violence not only damage properties but also deter providers from offering accommodations due to safety concerns, leading to a “marked drop” in available private properties in 2024.

Legal and Community Opposition

Resistance to new IPAS centers manifests in various forms, including “legal, local and criminal challenges.” This opposition stems from “diverse factors,ranging from far-right,anti-immigration criminality,to sincerely held concerns about local public service capacity.” Court challenges to accommodation centers in locations such as Thornton Hall, Crooksling, and Athlone are “bringing our capacity to deliver on Government strategy into question,” according to officials.These legal battles further exacerbate the accommodation shortage and delay the implementation of long-term solutions.

The bottleneck: Accommodation for Approved Applicants

A significant bottleneck exists in the system: a lack of accommodation for individuals whose asylum claims have been accepted. As of November 2024, 5,360 triumphant asylum seekers remained in IPAS centers as they could not secure housing in the private market. This represents 17 percent of all IPAS residents, a figure considerably higher than the average in other EU countries, where the proportion is often half or even a quarter of this figure. This situation strains resources and limits the capacity to accommodate new applicants.

Deportation Orders: A Potential Solution?

The government briefing also addresses the issue of deportation orders, noting that Ireland issues far fewer such orders compared to other EU nations. In 2024, Ireland signed 2,400 deportation orders, while receiving 18,000 international protection applications. Officials suggest that,to align with EU norms,Ireland would need to sign approximately 12,000 deportation orders annually. “A shift of this nature would free up significant space in IPAS centres,” the documents state, indicating a potential avenue for alleviating the accommodation crisis.

Government Response and Future Outlook

Faced with mounting challenges, the government acknowledges the immense pressure in finding accommodation for asylum seekers.A spokesperson for the Department stated that the State has “worked under significant pressure over the last few years to find accommodation.” IPAS conducts “an appraisal” when considering offers of accommodation, suggesting a thorough evaluation process. Addressing the crisis requires a multi-faceted approach,including streamlining the asylum process,increasing accommodation capacity,and addressing the concerns of local communities. Engaging in constructive dialogue and implementing fair and efficient policies will be crucial in navigating this complex situation.

Take Action

The asylum seeker accommodation crisis in Ireland requires collaborative solutions. Learn more about ways you can support refugees in your community. contact your local representatives to advocate for fair and effective immigration policies.

Navigating Ireland’s Asylum Seeker Accommodation Crisis: An Expert’s View

Ireland is currently facing a important challenge in accommodating the increasing number of asylum seekers. Today, we’re joined by Dr. aoife Malone, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Irish Refugee Council, too discuss the complexities of this situation.

Understanding the core Issues

Archyde: Dr. Malone, thank you for joining us. Could you paint a picture of the core problems Ireland is facing regarding asylum seeker accommodation?

Dr. Malone: Thank you for having me. Essentially, we’re seeing a surge in international protection applicants combined with a limited capacity to provide adequate housing. Government documents indicate IPAS is facing immense pressure. A ample increase in asylum seekers since 2021 has led to accommodation shortages, leaving many without suitable housing.

Policy Shifts and Local Impact

archyde: There’s talk of policy changes impacting how and where asylum seekers are housed. Could you elaborate on these shifts and their effect on local communities?

Dr. Malone: IPAS has indeed implemented strategic restrictions on the types of properties and locations they’ll accept. Certain hotels and counties are now off-limits, influenced by ‘local and political feedback.’ This has led to accommodations being redirected to tourism, further reducing available options. Some communities are expressing concerns, particularly regarding public service capacity.

Resistance and Security Challenges

Archyde: The report mentions resistance, even acts of violence. How significant is this issue and how does it impact the situation?

Dr. Malone: Unluckily, it’s a serious concern. There have been numerous recorded arson attacks against planned or existing IPAS accommodations, creating a climate of fear and deterring potential providers. This resistance, often fueled by anti-immigration sentiment, exacerbates the accommodation crisis and creates added security challenges.

The Bottleneck: approved Applicants Awaiting Housing

Archyde: A surprising statistic is the number of asylum seekers who have been approved but remain in IPAS centers. Why is this happening?

Dr. Malone: This is a critical bottleneck. Over 5,000 people, whose asylum claims have been accepted, cannot move forward because they can’t secure housing in the private market. This keeps them in the IPAS system, straining resources and hindering our ability to accommodate new applicants. It’s a much larger percentage than the EU average.

Deportation orders: A Viable Solution?

Archyde: The government is considering issuing more deportation orders as a potential solution. What are your thoughts on this approach?

dr. Malone: While deportation orders are a part of immigration policy, it’s crucial to remember the human impact. The report suggests aligning with EU norms,but prioritizing efficiency over fairness could have severe consequences. It deserves a very careful approach, ensuring due process and considering individual circumstances.

Looking Ahead: Solutions and Community Engagement

Archyde: What steps can be taken to alleviate the crisis and how can communities play a role in finding solutions regarding asylum seeker accommodation?

Dr.Malone: A multi-faceted approach is essential.This includes streamlining the asylum process, exploring innovative accommodation solutions, and fostering constructive dialog with local communities. Increased government investment in affordable housing for all is key. Education programs promoting integration and addressing misinformation are also crucial. Creating open channels for communication will foster understanding and alleviate concerns.

Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Malone,for shedding light on this critical issue.

Dr. Malone: My pleasure.

What innovative housing solution do you think could best address the current crisis that can be implemented within your community?