A community engagement team has been set up with regards to River View House in Kilkenny city.
Yesterday, KCLR News confirmed that the former St John’s Hall building‘s been contracted to provide accommodation to people seeking international protection and that up to 28 can reside there.
It’s understood couples are to be accommodated at the local premises.
There was criticism around the lack of communication and clarity on this, especially for those living nearby.
KCLR News requested an interview with Minister Roderic O’Gorman and received instead a statement from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth which says it has a group dedicated to improving the flow of information and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.
Nearly 31,500 people are accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system overall, including 8,112 children, – a jump from 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.
A spokesperson says “This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. Since January 2022, the Department has brought over 230 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection”.
