State considers housing refugees in schools as it struggles to find accommodation

Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman has pleaded for any available building which would be suitable to house refugees in sleeping bags or on mattresses as the country enters an 'extremely difficult' period. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Sports halls, college theatres, and even classrooms could be used to house refugees across the summer months as the Government scrambles to find accommodation for those entering the country.

Integration Minister Roderic O'Gorman has pleaded with Government colleagues for any available building which would be suitable to house refugees in sleeping bags or on mattresses as the country enters an "extremely difficult" period in finding shelter for those from Ukraine and seeking international protection (IP).