Government looks to planning rules to expand housing options for asylum seekers

The Government has a planning exemption for under the EU’s Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection rules to house Ukrainians in a site in Stradbally. However, this currently does not apply for accommodating international protection applicants.

A spokesperson for Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman (pictured) has said that more clarification will be provided. Photograph: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

The Government is to examine planning rules which could allow asylum seekers to stay at large centres currently being used to house Ukrainians.

Louth TDs who attended a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday said he committed to examine if international protection applicants can be housed in empty beds in Ukrainian refugee accommodation.