Thornton Hall

Update on Thornton Hall, Kilcoscan, Fingal K67 KV76

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is developing an accommodation centre for people applying for International Protection on a portion of the site at Thornton Hall, Kilcoscan, Fingal K67 KV76.

Many people in the area have questions about this and we want to provide accurate information about what is known and planned for this site.

Approximately 35 acres of the site is being developed by a private company called IEMS, who are contracted by the Department to help provide safe accommodation. Read more about International Protection here.

The delivery of this accommodation is being prioritised so that we can meet our legal and humanitarian obligations. Work to enable provision of accommodation at this site is underway.

On 27 March last, Minister O’Gorman announced a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection Applicants. Accommodation in the new strategy is being delivered through the use of State land for emergency tented accommodation, prefabricated and modular units, conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties.

Thornton Hall is part of this strategy. A two-year licence agreement was signed on the 11th June 2024 between the Irish Prison Service and DCEDIY for the use of part of the site at Thornton Hall for accommodation for people seeking international protection.

The accommodation will be for single adult men who are seeking international protection.

Works to prepare the site at Thornton Hall as an accommodation centre began on 14 August and have paused at this time. We hope to be able to recommence work, and begin accommodating people, as soon as possible.

Accommodation will be provided on a phased basis, starting with 6 accommodation tents and 6 for ancillary services. These first tents will accommodate 40 people. Phase 2 will accommodate approximately 440 people.

The development is being progressed by Ministerial Order, as notified to Fingal County Council on 08 August. This process is being used as the State responds to extreme challenges in terms of accommodation for people seeking international and temporary protection in Ireland.

The Department will comply with all the statutory regulations that apply to the project. A noise assessment is being conducted by a contracted provider and the Department is adhering to all advice and appropriate mitigations regarding archaeology on site.

Appropriate Assessment Screening and Environmental Impact Assessment Screening reports were completed and the area was screened out.

• The contractors staff will be present 24/7.
• The House Rules explains how the centre is managed to centre residents.
• All accommodation centres for people seeking international protection have security protection.
• There is and will continue to be a security presence on the site. A fence will be erected around the perimeter of the accommodation centre.
• All centre residents are free to come and go from the centre, as they wish, but they must sign in and out with security.
• Centre residents will use the gate on the R135 to come and go from the centre.

• The goal is to deliver robust high-performance tents on site that can accommodate up to 1000 people.
• Tented accommodation is viewed as a short-term solution, allowing DCEDIY more time to source alternatives, including modular units.
• Accommodation will be provided on a phased basis, starting with 6 accommodation tents and 6 for ancillary services. These first tents will accommodate 40 people.
• Phase 2 will accommodate approximately 440 people. The Department would hope to welcome this group on site in phases.
• A fully catered service will be provided including three meals offered to all residents every day. Snacks and tea/coffee stations will be available to residents 24/7.
• The contractor will provide a sufficient number of eco-toilets and shower blocks for residents. DCEDIY is meeting with Uisce Éireann on the long-term solution for water and waste water management. In the short-term waste-water will be removed from the site – the frequency is being worked through.
• As plans progress and we move closer to accommodating people, more information on services will be finalised and can be shared.

The Department has arranged for dedicated space for people to access healthcare services such as screening and vaccinations, and GP sessional clinics. HSE teams can attend the centre to identify any acute illness or conditions. A sessional GP service can be available to people awaiting medical cards and GP assignment. People can be referred onward to other dental or specialist healthcare services they may need and emergency medical treatment will be accessed at Connolly Hospital.

Developing a transport plan and solution is an essential element of the overall development and will be a priority for the Department. DCEDIY has agreed with the provider that they will provide transport for centre residents from Thornton Hall to a neighbouring urban area. The frequency and route of the service is being worked through.

DCEDIY is liaising with services like the Educational Training Board and similar state agencies to progress plans for education, training and activity supports at the site.

DCEDIY is meeting with representatives of the Department of Social Protection to plan for people to access social welfare payments and supports in the neighbouring urban areas of Swords and / or Finglas.

The provider has commenced works at the site. When works are completed by the provider, the Department will carry out a full assessment and inspection of the centre to ensure that it meets the necessary standards.

Any potential plan for the development of more sustainable accommodation for international protection applicants will be subject to detailed site assessment to determine feasibility. This work has not yet commenced.

The Department’s Community Engagement Team has briefed local elected representatives and has scheduled further meetings with community representatives, with the support of the Local Development Company.

This page will be updated as information is finalised and can be shared.