Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers will be moved out of tents in Co Clare as soon as possible, according to a junior minister.

More than 80 people are living in tents in Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre due to capacity issues.

That's despite a weather advisory being in place for the whole country until Thursday, with temperatures expected to plunge to minus-three degrees.

Limerick TD and Minister of State Niall Collins says the government does not see tents as a long-term housing solution.

"As we speak, the international protection service and the department are working very hard to find suitable alternative accommodation for anybody who's presently being accommodated in tents", he said.

"There are a number of providers in the midwest region who are building extra capacity as we speak and as soon as that extra capacity is available, those people obviously will be accommodated in other settings other than tents."

Housing

Since Russia’s invasion of their nation, over 60,000 Ukrainians have moved to Ireland and the State has struggled to find appropriate accommodation for many of them.

Some have been housed in school buildings over the Christmas holiday, while others have been put up in tents.

In July of last year, the Department of Sport has asked sporting bodies to house Ukrainian refugees on a temporary basis.

The Aviva stadium was one venue used as temporary accommodation and this week 140 Ukrainians are staying in Croke Park.

They will then have to be moved on due to match fixtures.

The practice of using tents for housing refugees stopped before Christmas, but has resumed again.

Mr Collins says the government is doing "everything it can" to find alternatives.

Long-term plan

Doras, an organisation working to support and promote migrant rights, says more long-term non-hotel accommodation is needed to house Ukrainian refugees.

Doras CEO John Lannon told Newstalk that the use of 'corporate boxes' to house refugees for a fortnight is nowhere near a solution.

"This highlights, once again, the difficulties being faced by the Department of Children when it comes to ensuring a pipeline of accommodation options", he said.

"And that's not just for people from Ukraine, that's also for international protection applicants."

In October, around 240 Irish hotels were being used to house asylum seekers and refugees – almost 30% of the country’s overall hotel stock.

Around 250 B&B's and Guesthouses were also being used to accommodate refugees and people seeking international protection.

Main image shows Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins. Picture by: Leah Farrell/Photocall Ireland