Anger as refugees return to tented accommodation on the outskirts of Limerick city
MORE than 80 asylum seekers are once again being housed in tented accommodation at the Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre, on the outskirts of Limerick city, it has been confirmed.
There is anger over the development with local representatives describing it as a "national shame".
Last month, due to the bitterly-cold temperatures, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said it would “cease to operate” the practice of housing International Protection Applicants in tents.
However, it was confirmed this Thursday - less than a month later - that 88 international protection applicants are back in the Knockalisheen DP Centre in the same shelter as before.
Speaking out on the issue, Clare TD Violet-Anne Wynne said: “I am not sure what has prompted this U-turn but it is incredibly concerning to me to think that 88 individuals are in tents at that site given the inclement weather conditions at present.”
She continued: “The fact that we are faced with this tenting of people in Director Provision goes to highlight and strengthen the case for the abolition of this deeply flawed model which will be a national shame in time to come, and I for one will not be sorry to see resigned to history.”
Deputy Cathal Crowe has also criticised the move saying: “My understanding was that the tents would be dismantled and not appear again.” He continued: “I hope that Minister Roderic O’Gorman and his officials will reconsider this situation. To have people accommodated in tents is inhumane and a sub-standard level of care.”
In a statement, issued to Limerick Live, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has described the number of applications as the “largest humanitarian effort in the State’s history”.
A spokesperson added they “endeavour to ensure that the use of tents at Knockalisheen is a short-term measure.”
According to the Department, as of January 2, Ireland is now accommodating over 71,255 International Protection Applicants. Because of the accommodation shortage, they added that their priority “must remain on providing shelter.”
As for other tented operations in Athlone and Tralee which have previously been closed, the Department says they “will remain decommissioned and will not return to use.”