Quarter of residents in Laois asylum seeker accommodation granted permission to stay in Ireland

A new report on designated accommodation in Portlaoise for people seeking international protection in Ireland has revealed that just over a quarter of residents could be living elsewhere because they have already been permitted to stay in the country.

The finding is contained in a new Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) report on Dídean Dóchas Eireann Teoranta 

HIQA say Dídean Portlaoise is comprises nine own-door apartments and houses located on the outskirts of Portlaoise.  The houses are situated in a housing estate, and the apartments are within an apartment block located nearby.

At the time of the inspection, there were 34 residents living in the centre, which included 16 adults and 18 children. All residents lived with their family members. Of the nine family units, three were shared between families.

IPAS centres are designed for asylum seekers who have applied for refugee status or subsidiary protection and need accommodation from the Irish State while their claims are processed. 

HIQA found that some living in the Portlaoise accommodation had been given clearance to stay in Ireland, meaning they are no longer automatically eligible to avail of the IPAS accommodation.

"While the primary function of the centre was to provide accommodation to people seeking international protection, the inspectors found that nine (26%) of the residents had received refugee, subsidiary protection or leave to remain status," it said.

The regulator says it began monitoring and inspecting permanent IPAS centres against national standards in January 2024 in the context of an accommodation system which it says is recognised by the Government "as not fit for purpose". The inspection report notes the housing crisis "limits residents’ ability to move out of accommodation centres".

HIQA gave a positive assessment of the centre following two short-term announced inspections in September.  HIQA found compliance with standards in 23 of the 27 categories. In the remaining four categories, the provider was found to be substantially compliant. 

HIQA said the accommodation provided facilitated residents to live independently, with each unit having a kitchen and dining room, a living area, bathrooms, and sufficient space for storage of personal items. 

READ ALSO: Dublin construction company snaps up Laois enterprise site

Families who share accommodation with other families have their own bedrooms and bathrooms and share a kitchen and living space. The centre is located on the outskirts of Portlaoise, is in close proximity to local schools, crèches, pre-schools, shops, transport links, health and social services.

A Centre Manager reports to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the company. HIQA also reports that the manager was supported by a team of social care workers and assistant support workers employed in the centre. 

The staff and management team worked from an office in the centre of the town where residents could attend to meet with staff or access a meeting and computer room.

HIQA Inspectors found that residents living in this centre were "satisfied with their accommodation" which was well maintained and met their needs. It said residents had choices in their daily lives, and their independence was promoted. 

“The staff team had facilitated residents to integrate into the local community. Residents benefitted from the support of a knowledgeable and dedicated staff team who were aware of the needs and who advocated for and linked them with the supports and services they required. While there were many areas of good practice, there was a need to review some restrictive practices within the centre,” HIQA found.

IPAS centres were formerly known as direct provision centres. There were a total 11,906 applications for international protection at the end of November 2025.