On the 27th March 2024 Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS) for the accommodation of International Protection applicants. This strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.
The strategy focuses on the delivery of large Reception and Integration and Accommodation Centres through the following multi-strand approach:1. Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units;2. Conversion of commercial buildings;3. Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties;4. Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres;5. Upgrading of IPAS Centres.
The multi-strand approach focuses on both increasing State owned permanent capacity, and the upgrading of additional contingency accommodation, developed to specific national standards, to build an effective system to meet the new realities of increasing need while enabling the State to discharge its duty to meet the material reception conditions of IP Applicants, according to the guiding principles of the White Paper.
Progress made on the strategy has included the launch of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process on e-tenders on the 30th April for the sourcing of suitable properties as IP accommodation. The EOI seeks to identify properties for acquisition under the following criteria:
• 150+ beds;
• Bedrooms in line with National Standards;
• existing properties/buildings in turnkey condition;
• existing properties that require upgrading/refurbishment/renovation.
The table below describes the property criteria and specific considerations as detailed in the EOI.
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Property Type
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Compliance with
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Location
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Property Requirements (Mandatory
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Property Requirements (Desirable)
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i. Turnkey properties for immediate use ii. Properties that require upgrade/renovationiii. Planned building but not built
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i. Full Planning Permission ii. Building Regulationsiii. Fire Safety Regulations iv. National Standards
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i. Populated area or easy access to nearest populated area via Public transport ii. Easy access to shops, GP’s either by foot or Public transport
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i. 150+ bed spaces ii. Bedrooms in line with National Standardsiii. Percentage accessible for people with disabilities
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i. Independent Living/Self Cateringii. Space for shop if external shops are inaccessible iii. Space for ancillary services (Medical, Education etciv. Office Space v. Space for indoor common recreational areas vi. Outdoor space in proximity viii. Space for Buses or delivery trucks to manoeuvre
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