Ciara Phelan: Clock is ticking for Government on housing for asylum seekers

Protesters at Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea, Tipperary, which is to be used as an accommodation centre. Picture. Brian Arthur

The clock is ticking, an election is looming, and the Government is at a defining crossroads.

It’s almost two years since Ukrainians were forced to flee their home country to seek refuge. 

At the same time, there has been a noticeable rise in people seeking asylum here from other countries. 

But almost two years on, the Government is still operating in emergency mode.

No one could have envisaged Russia’s invasion nor an uptick in international protection applicants who are also fleeing difficult circumstances and have a legal right to seek asylum here.

That being said, the Government has waited too long to reveal what its long-term plan is to accommodate the surge in numbers. 

Far-right agitators have taken advantage of that vacuum and growing protests show support in some communities is wearing thin. 

Genuine concerns have been raised and we're still waiting for the long-term plan as to how all these people are to be adequately and safely housed. 

The clock is ticking.

While some ministers continue to deny there has been a delay to a coherent plan because of the impact it may have on other departments, it’s been clear for months that Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman has been struggling to sell a comprehensive medium- to long-term system to his colleagues.

His plan to introduce a 90-day stay in State accommodation for Ukrainians was initially pushed back, with some around the Cabinet table questioning how it may impact the homelessness figures.

And still, no one can provide answers as to where exactly Ukrainians will find their own accommodation after their 90-day stay comes to an end.

Teresa Hogan hands out soup to the protesters at Racket Hall Hotel. Picture. Brian Arthur

One solution being floated is the possible purchase of a student accommodation complex in Cork. 

First mooted in October, sources said it was taken off the agenda after concerns were raised as to where students currently living there would be accommodated. 

However, it’s understood officials in Mr O’Gorman’s department intend to bring this proposal to Government again for consideration because they have very little options to choose from. 

The potential use of student accommodation will result in uproar given the already desperate supply of rental properties available. 

Student unions in Cork have warned the shortage of accommodation and excessive rents are leading to “increasing desperation” with some students skipping meals and not turning on heating.

Sources have said if the Government agrees to buy the complex, students will be housed elsewhere. 

But the optics aren’t good regardless and discussions on the matter both publicly and privately are expected to be heated.

Within weeks, Mr O’Gorman is to present a revised white paper which aims to end direct provision and will outline a broader plan on where the State will either buy, lease or acquire six or more reception centres. 

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Officials may be under increasing pressure to source these buildings and land, but what will prove more difficult for this Government is selling it to the public.

The mood music has changed and there is no doubt that there will be objections once the locations of the centres are made public.

But it’s time for the Government to bite the bullet and deal with the matter head-on. 

The longer the delay, the more it feeds into the narrative that the Coalition can not handle the situation and it’s time for a change. 

We need a plan. We need it now. 

The clock is ticking.