Dáil hears of 'incredible' year-long delay in getting houses ready for refugees

Over thirty houses in 12 counties which were bought by the Department of Children to house international protection applicants are still not ready to be occupied, the Dáil has heard. 

In response to a parliamentary question from Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, Minister Roderic O’Gorman confirmed that the 37 properties bought by his department are located in 12 counties. The properties are located in Clare, Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford.

"These properties are a mix of two/three/four-bed apartments and houses and some larger properties (10 bed plus)," he said.

"An Expression of Interest competition was undertaken to commission Approved Housing Bodies to operationalise the properties purchased as supported accommodation for vulnerable applicants.

"The Approved Housing Bodies commissioned through this process are currently working with this Department to operationalise these properties on a phased basis over the coming months," Minister O'Gorman said. 

In respect of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, Minister O'Gorman said the government has developed a rapid build housing programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. The programme aims to provide short-term  accommodation up to 2,800 Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection at several sites across Ireland. This programme is being delivered in  collaboration with the OPW.

Deputy Tóibín was critical of the delay, particularly as he raised the matter some time back. 

"One year later I put the same question to the Minister and this year the Minister admitted his department has purchased 37 properties for the purpose of housing asylum seekers and people from Ukraine," Deputy Tóibín told the Irish Mirror.

He said it was unbelievable that these buildings were still waiting to be 'operationalised'.

"This is incredible given that there are people living in tents around the country and that 5,000 people are living in Direct Provision who cannot leave for the lack of housing," Deputy Tóibín said.