State plans to convert old office buildings for asylum seekers

Under proposals in the State's revised White Paper, the Government plans to hire an agency to identify properties, negotiate contracts, and refit empty buildings

20/04/24

The Government is to step up efforts to house asylum seekers by converting empty buildings and using prefabs within the coming months, under proposals in the State’s revised White Paper.

The Irish Examiner has learned the new plan has been delayed for weeks, as a result of Coalition leaders seeking more concrete measures from Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman.

Multiple sources said Tánaiste Micheál Martin sought short- and medium-term solutions, rather than just a long-term approach.

The revised plan is expected to go to Cabinet within the next three weeks.

Government sources have revealed some of the short- to medium-term measures include the State using, leasing, and buying empty properties, along with increasing the use of prefabs and marquee-style units on State land.

Sources said the Government plans to hire an agency that will identify properties, negotiate contracts, and refit empty buildings — including office spaces.

One senior source said the State will be able to move quickly on the proposal, which would see properties being fitted with communal areas and sleeping facilities within five to nine months.

Short- and long-term leases will be offered to office space owners, as well as the State seeking to purchase the properties.

Minister Roderic O'Gorman told the Dáil that we are 'very close' to having family and female applicants sleeping rough. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Another short- to medium-term measure will see the State ramp up the use of prefab-style accommodation on State-owned land.

A senior source said previous units were of a “very high-spec” and future units won’t be up to the same standard, will be simplified, and “more practical.”

The source said: “There is no need to over-engineer the solution and what we’re trying to achieve now is to provide a safe, comfortable home for people.”

The Government will also seek to replicate the model adopted in Stradbally, Co Laois, on State-owned land currently being used to house Ukrainians. The accommodation consists of own-door bedrooms, and heated and insulated cabins in a large marquee-style structure.

It is understood the initial plan brought to leaders was criticised for lacking detail.

It consisted of an approach that could take a number of years — due to identifying locations and seeking planning permission.

There was concern within Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil that the State had to speed up the process of moving away from using student accommodation, hotels, and nursing homes.

Several sources admitted there had been “tension” between officials working on the plan. 

Government leaders are aware that the location of the new centres will also be politically sensitive around local elections, sources said, but played down any suggestions the plan was being stalled for this reason.

When asked what was causing the hold-up, Mr O’Gorman told the Irish Examiner this week that it is being discussed with the three party leaders. 

It comes as over 1,000 international protection applicants continue to sleep rough, and Mr O’Gorman told the Dáil yesterday that “we are close to being in that situation with families and female applicants as well”.

Mr O’Gorman said it is the “sad fact” that he and the Government are “failing” in its legal obligation to provide accommodation to all asylum seekers.