Update on provision of accommodation for people fleeing Ukraine

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response to meet the immediate accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict.

Speaking on the crisis response, Minister O’Gorman said:

“We are facing a humanitarian crisis on a scale never before seen in Ireland. We remain steadfast in our solidarity with the plight of people who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine, and we continue to extend a welcome to the many people who have arrived here seeking safety and shelter.

"Since the onset of this war, my Department and I have been focused on providing reception accommodation to those in need. The scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented, and the Irish people have displayed an incredible level of generosity in their pledges of support and accommodation.

"However, I have to be clear about the scale of the challenge facing the State. From 25 February to 25 March, 12,057 people have come to Ireland fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, with over 6,201 to date seeking accommodation from International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).

"My officials are continuously working to source further accommodation and supports for the high numbers of people who continue to arrive every day. On March 24th, of 862 arrivals, 633 sought accommodation, the highest number to date.

"The accommodation available through local authorities, religious organisations, State bodies and pledged accommodation is unlikely to meet the level of need should the higher estimated numbers of people arriving come to pass in the weeks ahead.

"As such, we have put a number of contingency options in place. These include the use of arenas and conference centres such as Millstreet and Citywest, as well as the use of Gormanstown Camp.

"Although not our first preference, it is however a contingency that may soon be used.

"Every effort will continue to be made to ensure that use of this type of accommodation is temporary until more suitable accommodation becomes available.

"We will meet our obligations to the people fleeing here because, when we see the destruction brought to Ukraine by the Russian invasion, when we see the devastation and death caused, we know that the offer of shelter and security is the least of what we must do for those in need.”

Accommodation

• Since the conflict began, IPAS has placed 6,201 people in temporary accommodation. IPAS will continue to ramp up operations to ensure that this increased demand can be met.
• 2,773 long term hotel rooms have been contracted to date, with additional short term room capacity also available. That number is increasing at a steady pace.
• There have been 22,657 pledges of accommodation, shared and unshared, through the Irish Red Cross. Of this, 4,896 relates to vacant properties. The Defence Forces have made contact in respect of 1,112 vacant properties to arrange inspections.  820 owners have agreed to inspections.  218 owners were not contactable and have to be contacted again.  74 owners have withdrawn properties.
• The Department is in advanced discussions with Airbnb.org and The Open Community regarding temporary accommodation being provided to those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine in Airbnb listings around Ireland. It is anticipated that these discussions will conclude in the coming days and further information will then be provided. The Open Community is the national support organisation for Ireland’s Community Sponsorship Programme for Refugees, which provides support, guidance and resources to communities who would like to welcome refugees through community sponsorship. More details can be found at theopencommunity.ie.
• The Department is continuing to engage with religious orders to identify properties which may be suitable for use as accommodation for those fleeing Ukraine.
• The Defence Forces have been requested to develop an emergency tented facility at Gormanstown camp in case of no alternative accommodation being available on arrival. It will be available from this Saturday.
• At present Citywest is being used for evening arrivals at Dublin Airport. The venue is set up to provide basic refreshments and a place to rest before moving on to their hotel accommodation.

Pledges / Garda vetting

Following initial contacts with many of those who have offered pledged accommodation, the Irish Red Cross, in conjunction with the Defence Forces, and teams of auctioneers, estate agents and engineers will begin checks required to confirm the suitability of pledged accommodation for housing refugees fleeing Ukraine.

The Department has met with members of the Garda National Vetting Bureau (GNVB) and Irish Red Cross to set up the necessary procedures to enable a process of vetting. This will involve the vetting of Host families (I.E. Hosts and their family members over 16) who have pledged their home to be shared with Ukrainian Families with Children or with those considered vulnerable persons in accordance with National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012/2016.

The Irish Red Cross will nominate a number of Vetting Liaison Officers to work with the GNVB. Regular meetings will be held with DCEDIY, An Garda Síochána and Irish Red Cross to ensure that this important process takes place with maximum speed and with the protection of children and vulnerable persons at its core. 

 

ENDS