Gov says it is engaging with Drogheda on plans for D Hotel
D Hotel provide accommodation for people applying for International Protection
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has said that its "Community Engagement Team is engaging with all local representatives, the Local Authority and the Community Response Forum" in relation to plans to use the D Hotel in Drogheda to provide accommodation for people applying for International Protection.
News broke on Wednesday that the D Hotel at Marsh Road in Drogheda has been offered to International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) to accommodate people applying for International Protection.
In a statement to the Dundalk Democrat, a Department spokesperson added that "It has provided them with detailed accurate information about the planned use of the property. The team has also liaised with all relevant national services to ensure that they have the relevant information they need to inform and respond to service provision locally.
"This includes services for social welfare, health, education, transport, justice, and the HSE, An Garda Síochana, the local integration teams and local development office."
The full statement from the Department reads as follows: "Ireland is currently accommodating more than 101,000 people seeking safety and shelter, between people fleeing war in Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. Over 200 properties are being used to accommodate people across every county.
"Despite the efforts of the Department, there are not enough beds available to accommodate everyone who needs one, particularly for single adult males. As a result, the Department is not able to provide accommodation to all single male international protection (IP) applicants. The most vulnerable people are being accommodated, others will be offered accommodation as soon as its available.
"The Department is now also experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children. This follows a significant increase in the number of families seeking accommodation. In the last two months the need for family accommodation has increased considerably.
"The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) has responded to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. A full assessment of the property has been completed, all requirements are in place and a contract has been signed. It will be brought into use in the near future to provide accommodation for people applying for International Protection.
"The Community Engagement Team is engaging with all local representatives, the Local Authority and the Community Response Forum.
"It has provided them with detailed accurate information about the planned use of the property. The team has also liaised with all relevant national services to ensure that they have the relevant information they need to inform and respond to service provision locally.