'Smoke and mirrors': Calls for review of IPAS sourcing system after Cork saga

It follows a protracted saga since January following confirmation the State was considering an offer of IPAS accommodation for up to 50 people at 23-25 South Terrace

Up to 50 asylum seekers were to be accommodated across two floors of former office space at 23-25 South Terrace in Cork City. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Residents and owners of apartments in Cork city centre have given a guarded welcome to the axing of plans to co-locate asylum seeker accommodation in part of their building.

But the scenario that has played out at their building since before Christmas has prompted calls for a review of the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) sourcing system for better communication with residents who may be directly affected, and for a review of the regulations which were introduced in 2022 to fast-track the delivery of accommodation for international protection applicants or people fleeing the war in Ukraine.