Ireland prepares to take in 5,000 refugees

The Government is drawing up plans to house more than 5,000 refugees fleeing the Mediterranean crisis in empty State-owned properties to ensure they are not thrown into the already over-crowded direct provision system.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Office of Public Works could provide the audit of available properties suitable for accommodation for several years — potentially including barracks and other locations — to Cabinet as early as this week in a bid to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.

In the first detailed response to the situation, officials said the provisional report is focusing on available buildings which could be suitable for families and provide them with suitable services for their needs.