Data shows breakdown of counties housing international protection applicants

Department of Integration records show where 26,279 asylum seekers are accommodated by county. Picture: PA Wire

A county-by-county breakdown has revealed that Dublin is sheltering the majority of the country's international protection applicants (IPA).

The Department of Integration has published the most up-to-date records, showing where 26,279 asylum seekers, of whom 5,621 are children, are currently being accommodated across 258 centres nationwide.

It comes as Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has said it is important that “no one area is overburdened” in accommodating asylum seekers.

The latest data shows there are an average of 307 arrivals per week, with  44 arrivals every day, and 29% are single males; 11% are females; 21% couples, 28% children; and 11% lone parents.

The counties with the highest number of IPAs are; Dublin, Galway, Cork, Mayo, and Wicklow.

The counties with the lowest numbers are; Carlow, Cavan, Kilkenny, Leitrim, and Longford.

The top five nationalities are: Nigeria, Georgia, Algeria, Somalia, and Zimbabwe.

It comes as gardaí said that despite misinformation being spread online and among communities about asylum seekers, there has been no increase in crime caused by IPAs.

"An Garda Síochána is aware of significant and consistent volumes of speculation, misinformation, disinformation, and falsehoods in circulation, particularly in relation to International Protection Applicants," a Garda spokesperson said.

"Notwithstanding isolated local incidents, An Garda Síochána has not recorded any significant increase in criminal activity or public order issues directly caused by International Protection Applicants, at any location, at this time."

Eamon Ryan said it is important that 'no one area is overburdened' in accommodating asylum seekers. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Protests were continuing in various parts of the country outside accommodation which has been earmarked to house asylum seekers.

People have gathered outside the Racket Hall Hotel on the outskirts of Roscrea, Co Tipperary, to protest at its selection as a location to house 160 IPAs. Local people say the town is now at full capacity for accommodating those seeking refugee status.