The Government’s “absolute priority” is finding housing for homeless international protection applicants amid concern for their safety.
Last week, the tents of asylum seekers in Dublin were allegedly burnt and investigations by An Garda Síochána are ongoing.
Yesterday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris met with interim Justice Minister Simon Harris and Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman.
The two Ministers offered Commissioner Harris their thanks for Gardaí’s work and agreed on the urgency of finding accommodation for all who need it.
Three new centres are due to open in Dublin in the coming months and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he hoped local communities would welcome the new arrivals.
“I was really encouraged by the cross party response from all four TDs in Dún Laoghaire, all saying that they understand that this is a crisis and in a crisis never let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” he said.
“All four TDs are welcoming - or at least accepting - of the need to find accommodation for people urgently because we can’t have people on the streets.”
Members of the public pass homeless tents on Mount Street. Photograph: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ieDún Laoghaire Councillor Melisa Halpin said it was a positive decision for both the local community and asylum seekers.
“It’s great that a building that has been empty for nearly a decade is actually being put to good use to house homeless people,” she said.
“I really do hope it’s up to standard for people who are looking for a roof over their heads and it’s certainly better than a tent on the streets of Dublin.”
Cllr Halpin said Dún Laghaire is “no stranger to migrants” and was confident locals would “welcome people” to the neighbourhood.
In recent months, several hundred international protection applicants have been left homeless because of a severe shortage of accommodation across the State.
Main image: Pictured are tents outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie
