Disused hotels part of refugee ‘solution’

Refugees fleeing war zones face the prospect of being housed in empty disused hotels, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed.

The first dozen refugees who have escaped from the front line in war-torn Syria are expected to arrive here in the coming weeks, it was also confirmed, after being relocated from camps in Greece and Italy.

Up to 700 offers from the public to house refugees arriving here are still being considered. Various properties are being examined by the Irish Red Cross, including vacant hotels, Ms Fitzgerald explained.