An investigation into Clare and Ireland’s largest International Accommodation Protection Centre has uncovered serious health, safety and privacy risks.
HIQA’s unannounced inspection of Knockalisheen in Meelick determined that residents continue to live in substandard and unacceptable conditions.
The inspection took place over three days, on the 11th and 12th of November last year and January 13th 2026, when 208 residents were in attendance at the centre, 102 of which were living in military style tents.
Although Knockalisheen was designed to house International Protection Applicants, more than 60% of current residents have already been granted leave to remain, refugee or subsidiary protection status, but have been unable to source alternative accommodation.
During the inspection, HIQA observed that the overall presentation and condition of the accommodation blocks was deteriorating and risks pertaining to the physical structure of the building noted in the last inspection still remained.
Additionally it had been noted that an increasing number of beds within the accommodation block had been decommissioned due to damp, mould, water ingress and lack of repairs.
One resident who’d been living in a tent at Knockalisheen for two years, described their experience as extremely difficult and said they were losing hope searching for accommodation, while another resident told Inspectors that living in tents was limiting their life choices and development and described the accommodation “as a holding pen.”
HIQA also stated that the tents provided no privacy for residents who had to change their clothes in front of each other and that to use a bathroom or to shower, residents were required to leave their tents and walk while exposed to poor weather conditions, or at night to toilets and showers that were often out of order or couldn’t lock from the inside.
A number of incidents also occurred in the centre, including alleged theft of personal belongings and alleged peer-to-peer aggression, which were not identified as safeguarding concerns by management.
This inspection also found major and unmanaged risks relating to fire safety, including a lack of evidence that all residents could be evacuated in a fire.
Despite this, the staff team were observed to be attentive and responsive to the needs of the residents and treated them in a kind and respectful manner.
Recreational facilities were found to be adequate for adults and young children and residents had access to facilities including a social room, playroom, prayer room and a canteen.
Inspectors noted that meal times were a sociable experience with many dining in groups and engaging in friendly chat.
While not all residents were fully satisfied with the variety of food provided, most residents were complimentary of the meals and told the inspectors that the catering staff were open to feedback.
The Provider Aramark was found non-compliant in twelve areas of assessment and fully compliant in six.
Aramark has submitted a compliance plan that will aim to meet all outstanding requirements by June.
You can read the full report here.
