Department 'unable' to confirm Portlaoise refugee accommodation offer

No further detail on an offer of Portlaoise beds to refugees has come from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Portlaoise councillors claimed last week via Laois County Council that an offer has been made and they want to be kept informed.

The Department updated the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“In relation to proposed locations of IPAS centres, without an eircode for specific locations, the Department is unable to check the details provided or confirm any information,” a spokesperson said.

However they also say that cannot confirm details even if they are known.

“The Department will not comment on specific plans for accommodation in relation to the agreement of term of contracts with providers as this is commercially sensitive information.”

“Before the opening of any facility, the Department endeavours to engage with local representatives, through the newly established Community Engagement Team, to provide what information it can, as soon as possible, following the agreement of terms with contractors,” the spokesperson said.

They said that this team is set up to “improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with pertinent information required to help with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals”.

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The department notes that in the last 18 months, the number of people in Ireland both fleeing Ukraine, and also International Protection applicants, went from 8,575 to 96,965.

“In the context of this crisis, the State is availing of all offers of accommodation in all counties to address the urgent need,” they said.