Refugee Council Concerned Over Emergency Accomodation For Asylum Seekers

The Irish Refugee Council claims an urgent change in thinking is needed by the Government to prevent even more asylum seekers being housed in emergency accommodation.

It’s after it emerged that 10 people are being housed in emergency accommodation at the the Central Hostel in Miltown Malbay, with that number expected to rise.

Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports:

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Earlier this week, on foot of a query from Clare FM, the Department of Justice confirmed that 10 people are being housed in emergency accommodation in Clare.

As the country’s Direct Provision Centres are operating above capacity, this type of accommodation is being sourced on a temporary basis and the department says applicants will be moved to centres as quickly as possible.

Pat Kelly, the owner of the Central Hostel, has since confirmed to Clare FM that his establishment is providing accommodation to a number of people who are in the process of seeking asylum.

He emphasised that the accommodation is temporary and that people are already moving onto to more permanent facilities in Direct Provision.

Concerns have been raised that this type of accommodation might become a long term arrangement, but CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson says the problem can be overcome with better planning.

The Central Hostel in Miltown Malbay is a popular venue during the Willie Clancy Summer School in July, and management say it will operate as normal during that period.