Health and safety concerns noted at accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Clare

Several health and safety concerns were noted during an inspection of an accommodation centre for asylum seekers in County Clare late last year, a new report has revealed.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published the findings of inspectors who visited the Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre late last year.

According to the report, the announced inspection of the facility, which is run by Aramark, took place on October 22 and October 23, 2024.

A total of 289 residents were present on the day including 38 children, with accommodation spread across six blocks and 13 military tents - each accommodating up to eight people.

READ ALSO: Major boost as contracts are signed to complete €31m road crossing Clare/Limerick border

While some improvements were noted, inspectors found that there continued to be "deficits" across a number of areas, some of which impacted on residents’ health, safety and welfare.

"The conditions for residents living in the tented area had improved slightly but risks which were identified during previous inspections continued to exist including cramped, undignified living spaces with limited storage and no privacy available for residents," states the report which adds that damp and mould were observed in some bedrooms and bathrooms within the accommodation blocks.

"There were numerous insects present in two tents observed by the inspectors, overloaded electrical sockets and uncomfortable temperatures within the tents."

READ ALSO: Key appointment sees Clare-based aviation firm get 2025 off to a flying start

A number of residents told inspectors they often felt unsafe and had witnessed incidents which made them “fearful” or “scared”.

"Residents who spoke with the inspectors had mixed feedback on their experience of living in the centre. While many residents expressed concerns for their safety living in the centre, there was a positive change in what residents said about their interactions with staff. Many of the residents said that staff members were respectful and that they listened and supported them in relation to their concerns or needs," states the report.

The accommodation centre at Knockalisheen, on the outskirts of Limerick city, was found not to be compliant in seven of the 24 areas in which it was assessed.

It was found to be partially compliant in 11 areas and substantially compliant in two more.