Publication
Planning for new centres
From International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS)
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International protection accommodation is provided in a wide range of centres and locations. Some centres are owned by IPAS, some are located on State-owned lands, and some are provided through external providers. There are over 300 accommodation centres all over Ireland, and we continue to open new locations on an ongoing basis.
Following the war in Ukraine, and a general increase in applications for international protection, we are seeing significant shortages of available accommodation for international protection applicants. During 2024, we have been unable to provide accommodation to every applicant.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is working with communities all over Ireland to source accommodation and meet the urgent needs for shelter and support for people who are applying for international protection.
The Government is now implementing a Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection. This aims to address the accommodation shortage, and reform the system.
State-owned sites around the country are being developed to provide emergency tented accommodation, prefabricated and modular units, as well as conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties.
The strategy also includes design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres and upgrading of some existing accommodation centres.
The opening of new accommodation centres can raise questions in communities. A Community Engagement Team engages directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals around the time of a new centre opening. Find out more about the Community Engagement Team
As part of the Government strategy, publicly-owned sites suitable for development have been identified and considered.
The Department works to license chosen sites and works with developers and contractors to put accommodation and resident services in place. A range of partner organisations and stakeholders in State agencies and in the local community are engaged during the process.
Procurement processes are used to appoint design teams who also carry out architecture, civil engineering and monitoring and evaluation. Competent facilities management operators are hired and contracted to develop and run resident services.
All statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of emergency accommodation are met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.
Find out more about accommodation centres on state-owned lands:
Relevant Documents:
Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection Applicants
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DPER Circular 11/2015 Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
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The Department has a dedicated team who assess buildings offered for International Protection accommodation. This is part of our intensive efforts to source emergency accommodation for international protection applicants.
Initial offers of accommodation are received by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) primarily via ipps@equality.gov.ie
The Department evaluates all offers of accommodation made to it as quickly as possible and welcomes suitable offers from providers.
Once an offer is received, IPPS provides a proposal template to the prospective provider that they are required to complete and return. The proposal template requests detailed information to facilitate an objective assessment of the premises. This includes, but is not limited to information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, catering provision and room sizes, recreational and lounge facilities, security provision and staffing.
When returned, IPPS reviews the proposal and any supporting documentation to assess the suitability of the premises that is offered for use as accommodation for international protection applicants. Properties are also subject to pre-occupancy inspections to ensure they are adhering to the required standards. All statutory requirements relating to the establishment and management of emergency accommodation are to be met by the service provider, including health and safety, fire, building regulations and other requirements.
Relevant Documents: IPSS Procurement Activities