Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 May 2024
248. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what steps are being put in place to remove the large encampment from the Mount Street area of Dublin; what supports does she intend to offer residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20070/24]
View answerA joint operation between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; the Department of Justice; An Garda Síochána; Dublin City Council; the Office of Public Works; and the HSE got underway early yesterday morning on Mount Street, Dublin.
The purpose of the operation was to ensure the safe movement of people seeking international protection from the tents on Mount Street to International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS)-designated accommodation. Those seeking international protection have now been safely moved to Citywest and to Crooksling tented accommodation in County Dublin.
The Crooksling site has robust, weather-proof tents. It has toilets and showers; health services; indoor areas where food is provided; facilities to charge phones and personal devices; access to transport to and from Dublin City Centre; and 24-hour onsite security.
While in Crooksling accommodation, residents will receive the same supports as at other locations. This includes access to medical care via the HSE social inclusion outreach teams and medical card provision; IPAS customer services team clinics; onsite support from the provider’s staff; and psycho-social and integration support from NGO partners.
The encampment at Mount Street has been dismantled and the streets are being cleaned by Dublin City Council.
