 
                            Nationally, there are 30,000 asylum seekers in Ireland.
The number of asylum seekers being accommodated in the midlands has seen a significant increase.
1,816 International Protection Applicants are being housed in the region, according to the latest figures from the Department of Integration.
That's up 75 when compared to the last report.
Westmeath continues to account for the largest number of those, at 859, an additional 60 on last week's figure for the county.
568 asylum seekers are being housed in Laois, while Offaly is accommodating 379.
The national figure has surpassed 30,000.
 
                             
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