Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
364. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make contact with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to a vacant centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21259/24]
View answerThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) are the lead Department with responsibility for the provision of accommodation for both BoTP’s from Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. My Department is fully committed to supporting the whole of Government humanitarian response to the invasion of Ukraine and is specifically supporting the delivery of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
I can confirm that this building was assessed for its viability for potential use under the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme in late 2022. A site visit was conducted by my Department, during which PPE was required due to the general condition of the property and health concerns arising. The property was further assessed on foot of this visit across numerous criteria, including the cost of refurbishment work, duration of the works required to bring it to standard, location and access to services and local amenities. The property was deemed unviable across a number of factors in late 2023 and is no longer under consideration for inclusion in the refurbishment programme.
Should the owner wish to explore the possibility of making the property available for the potential provision of accommodation for IP applicants, it can be put forward for the consideration of IPAS colleagues in the DCEDIY at IPPS@equality.gov.ie.
