More Accommodation For Asylum Seekers Is Expected To Set Up

The increase in the number of tents pitched beside Dublin’s Grand Canal has raised concerns about the accommodation crisis for international protection seekers. According to reports, around 80 tents are currently set up along the Grand Canal, particularly between Mount Street Bridge and Huband Bridge, following the movement of over 100 tents from the International Protection Office (IPO) on Mount Street last week.

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Many of the people camped beside the canal are fleeing Middle Eastern nations including Afghanistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Pakistan, and others. They express a sense of safety in Ireland, but the lack of accommodation and necessary facilities remains a challenge. For the majority of people sleeping in tents, getting to basic facilities like showers and toilets is a 30-minute walk.

There is hope that the situation may improve soon, as new offers of accommodation are expected to come online this week.

Government plans to use state-owned land for accommodation for asylum seekers

The Government is reportedly working on identifying additional capacity to support the asylum seekers who currently lack a place to stay. The Government is also focusing on acquiring State-owned land to establish tented accommodation for asylum seekers, which could take weeks to set up properly.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has assembled a multi-agency and multi-departmental group to address logistical issues and prevent the reemergence of what he termed “makeshift shanty towns.” The issue remains politically sensitive, with Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore urging the Government to address the situation of nearly 1,700 international protection applicants currently without State-provided accommodation.