Ireland allocates over $21M to tackle refugee accommodation crisis

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Ireland has approved €20 million ($21.2 million) to address the accommodation crisis for refuges in the country, local media reported on Friday.

The funding will be used to refurbish or buy properties across the country, as well as deliver more than 400 beds, according to a report by the Irish Examiner.

“Sites being examined include Columb Barracks in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, as well as Thornton Hall and the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin,” the report said.

Citing a government source, it added that the money would also “cover the building of some modular housing units.”

Local media reports indicate some asylum seekers in Ireland are not being provided places to stay.

There have also been reports of delays in processing asylum claims, which leaves people in limbo and without shelter.

Additionally, the Irish Direct Provision system, which houses asylum seekers while their claims are being processed, has faced criticism for providing inadequate living conditions with a lack of privacy.