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No Plans For Refugee Accommodation In Athlone - Integration Department

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 08:55

By Kamron Clarke X @kamron_clarke

Over 100 asylum had been staying in tented accommodation in the town last year.

The Department of Integration says there are no plans to house refugees in 'pod-style accommodation' in a midlands town.

Over 100 asylum seekers had been staying in tents in Athlone up until last December, before being moved to more suitable International Protection Accommodation.

But, the Department has confirmed there are currently no plans to use the site again.

Around 1,200 beds will be lost between now and the end of May when the refugee accommodation contract with hoteliers comes to a close.

Up to 200 Ukrainian refugees will be staying in Columb Barracks in the coming weeks, when 50, four-person 'pod-style' units are brought on-stream.

In a statement to Midlands 103, the Department of Integration says:

"In March the Government agreed a proposal from the Humanitarian Accommodation Working Group established under the Department of the Taoiseach to take forward a 'proof of concept' project for the provision of modular/pod buildings. 

Columb Barracks, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath was chosen as an appropriate to deliver the first proof of concept project, which will deliver 50 four-person modular units, with a total capacity of 200, at the site. 

Following completion in the weeks ahead, the modular units will accommodate Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection.

There are currently no plans for pod-style accommodation units in the existing IPAS accommodation centre in Athlone."

Read More: Asylum Seekers Moved From Westmeath Tented Accommodation

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