Capacity issues at direct provision centres have forced the Department of Justice to seek out short-term hotel and B&B accommodation for asylum seekers.
The Department has confirmed that the practice is already underway at a number of locations, including in Clare.
Capacity in Ireland’s Direct Provision system continues to be tight.
In recent months, it’s been reported that a number of centres – including those at Lisdoonvarna and Knockalisheen – have been operating at above capacity.
And now, it’s emerged that rooms in working hotels, hostels and B&Bs have been rented out to accommodate asylum seekers around the country.
On foot of a report that this was occurring at one location in West Clare, Clare FM submitted a query to the Department of Justice who have now confirmed that the emergency short-term accommodation has been necessary due to unforeseen issues which have prevented the opening of new centres, as well as a rise in the number of applicants.
The Reception and Integration Agency says they have a legal duty to protect asylum seekers’ identities so can’t divulge the exact location in Clare they are being housed.
In a statement, the RIA goes on to say that applicants are being moved from emergency accommodation to centres as quickly as possible.
