An inspection of an accommodation centre for asylum seekers in south-east Clare has found that residents are living in “cluttered, cramped and unhygienic rooms”.
The Health Information and Quality Authority has identified “signifIcant risks” associated with the premises at the Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre as well as “serious fire safety concerns”.
HIQA conducted its fourth inspection of the Aramark-run facility in lower Meelick on the 4th and 5th of June of this year.
At the time of the inspection, 249 residents were present including 29 children.
Inspectors found that while the centre’s primary function was to provide accommodation to those seeking international protection, 60% of residents had already received refugee, subsidiary protection or leave to remain status but were unable to move elsewhere due to a cited “lack of alternative accommodation”.
The centre comprised six accommodation blocks and 13 military-style tents as well as other amenities, and it was noted that the physical structure had “deteriorated further” since concerns were previously identified, with “ingress of water”, “possible subsidence”, and “presence of mould” observed.
In both the accommodation blocks and tented units, residents were found to be experiencing “cramped, overcrowded and poor living conditions”, with some single residents, children and families living in “cluttered, cramped and unhygienic rooms”.
Additionally, it was found that the physical and mental health of those living in the tented units had declined while some residents, including children, occasionally “felt unsafe” due to violent incidents which had taken place in the past.
HIQA found the facility has failed to comply with eight standards and Aramark has subsequently submitted a compliance plan explaining how the issues will be addressed.
