30 asylum seekers currently being accommodated in North Kildare site
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has said that 30 international protection applicants, also known as asylum seekers, are currently being accommodated in Maynooth.
A spokesperson for the Department confirmed that there are currently 30 asylum seekers at Cluain Lara, Railpark, Maynooth.
The spokesperson explained: "The accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs) is a demand-led process with applicants arriving in the country and seeking accommodation spontaneously.
"In 2022, over 15,000 IPAs arrived in Ireland, the largest number of arrivals accommodated since records began."
They added that, for context, the average arrival figure for IP applicants for the 3 year period from (2017 to 2019) was 3,500.
The spokesperson continued: "As of January 16, 2023, there are over 19,700 people accommodated in International Protection Application Services (IPAS) accommodation centres: this compares with 7,400 people accommodated at the same time last year.
"Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country, and there have been over 60 accommodation locations utilised since January across 17 counties.
'SEVERELY CONSTRAINED'
"Since February 24, 2022, the Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge from the invasion of Ukraine, amounting to almost 55,000 people.
"The pressure to accommodate over 75,000 people in such a short period of time has led to significant shortages, particularly for the international protection cohort... access to suitable accommodation is severely constrained."
"The number of IPAs and Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) arriving in Ireland is expected to remain at elevated levels for the foreseeable future."
In addition, the spokesperson said that the Department has been forced to avail of all offers of accommodation made, including the use of office buildings and tented accommodation, to address the shortfall.
"While the Department is aware that these types of accommodation are less than ideal, it is working hard to find solutions, through the use facilities management companies in some cases, to offer emergency food, shelter and sanitation provision to both cohorts," they said: "Before the opening of any facility, the Department engages with local representatives to provide information as soon as possible following the agreement of terms with contractors."
"Over the past year, communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity and welcome for those who come here seeking refuge," the spokesperson concluded.
In related news, Kildare County Council is due to receive €807,328 from the Community Recognition Fund, which is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.