Strain on resources accommodating new arrivals to the country continues

THE strain on resources in accommodating new arrivals to the country continues to be a major problem for the Irish government.

An average of 310 international protection applicants are arriving into Ireland each week, but it is estimated hundreds could be sleeping rough in the coming weeks.

This week, the government had to move 123 asylum seekers at short notice from the Red Cow Hotel to a former seminary in Milltown.

The refugees are from notably Georgia, Algeria, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa.

Meanwhile, the former SIAC head office in Clondalkin, which is housing approximately 150 International Protection applicants, is to be evacuated amid fire safety certification issues.

This was an issue raised by Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) back in October when the Dept of Children moved 187 single men to the building, known as Dolcain House.

It was initially approved for use after an independent inspection, however, Dublin Fire Brigade raised concerns about its continued use for residential accommodation.

Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman warned that the state may not be able to house new arrivals due to an acute shortage of accommodation.

On Friday evening, a spokesman for Mr O’Gorman said the Clondalkin property would be evacuated as soon as practicable.

Meanwhile, the main hub at Citywest Hotel – which was set up to hold 370 people – presently has 858 people staying there, according to the charity Tiglin.

Homeless services say they are “bursting at the seams” due to an increase in the asylum seekers arriving in Ireland.

The Echo contacted the Dept of Children for the latest information on the centres in South Dublin County but did not receive a response at the time of going to print.