Thornton Hall set to house 40 asylum seekers this month
Barriers erected at Thornton Hall last month in north Co Dublin as workers are in the process of converting the site into accommodation for asylum seekers. File picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
The first asylum seekers are set to be accommodated in the controversial Thornton Hall site in north Dublin this month, the Department for Integration has said.
It comes as the “long-term strategy” for upgraded reception centres won’t see new beds delivered until mid-2026.
In its latest update for residents, the department said that the first phase will see six tents erected on site to accommodate 40 people.
This will then be scaled up significantly to allow 440 people to be accommodated on the site.
“The goal is to deliver robust high-performance tents on site that can accommodate up to 1,000 people,” it said.
Last June, the Government announced that it was planning to make use of the vacant farm site at the vacant Thornton Hall farm, near Dublin Airport, to provide temporary tented accommodation for single, male asylum seekers.
Similar to other sites across the country earmarked for the accommodation of international protection applicants, Thornton Hall has seen protesters object to the plans while locals and politicians have sought more information from the Government over its plans.
Last month, the reported that protest encampments at Thornton Hall had significantly delayed its opening, with multiple “serious” incidents of antisocial behaviour — including stalking and animal cruelty — reported.
The site, which lies close to the border with Meath, was first bought by the State almost 20 years ago for €30m.
It was originally envisaged as the location for a new prison to replace Mountjoy Prison in Dublin City.
In its latest update, the Department of Integration said enabling works started at Thornton Hall in August.
“We expected it would take four to five weeks from this date until the first tents are ready for people,” it said.
“We hoped to begin accommodating people on the site during September. However, following the screening works, it was necessary to apply for a licence to undertake archaeological test examinations.”
It said the centre will be managed by a contractor with staff on site 24/7. There will be a security presence on site, with a fence erected around the perimeter.
All residents will be required to sign in and out by security, the department said.
“Developing a transport plan and solution is an essential element of the overall development and will be a priority for the Department,” it said.
“[The department] has agreed with the provider that they will provide transport for centre residents from Thornton Hall to a neighbouring urban area.
“The frequency and route of the service is being worked through.”
It said an inspection will be carried out at the centre once the works are completed to ensure it is up to standard.
Furthermore, any potential plan for the development of “more sustainable accommodation” on the site is yet to be determined.
“The Department’s Community Engagement Team has briefed local elected representatives and has scheduled further meetings with community representatives, with the support of the Local Development Company,” it added.
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