Cookstown unit is being sought by government to accommodate applicants
A COMMERCIAL unit in Cookstown Industrial Estate (Unit 81 – Cookstown Estate Road) is being sought by the Irish government to accommodate international applicants.
It is the latest in a long line of new types of centres being opened to house international arrivals.
It also follows planning agreement this week for the former ABB building in Tallaght to be utilised for the scheme.
According to the latest government update on plans for IPAS centres, the State say there are over 300 accommodation centres all over Ireland, as they continue to open new locations on an “ongoing basis.”
The State is implementing a “Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection” to address the accommodation shortage and “reform the system.”
This includes State-owned sites around the country being developed to provide emergency tented accommodation, prefabricated and modular units, as well as conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties.
Plans include the build of new centres and upgrading of some existing centres.
According to the government, the opening of new accommodation centres can “raise questions” in communities and a Community Engagement Team “engages directly with elected representatives, local authorities, and local development companies.”
Government works with developers and contractors and a range of partner organisations and stakeholders in State agencies during the process for new centres.
Among the state-owned lands listed is Crooksling, the former nursing home in Brittas, which is comprised of “10-to-12-person robust, weather-proof tents.”
“There are heating facilities on site in the form of portable heaters, and electricity facilities are provided in the indoor sections of the site.
“Toilets, shower and laundry facilities on site are cleaned every thirty minutes via a rota system. Residents also have access to indoor areas where food is provided, facilities to charge phones and personal devices, and 24-hour onsite security,” it says on a gov.ie briefing updated on November 26.
