Some of the people escaping the war in Ukraine and arriving in Ireland have been forced to take shelter at Dublin Airport as authorities struggle to provide accommodation to incoming refugees. The city’s asylum center has run out of capacity, and the government has decided to pause further arrivals there until suitable accommodations are available.
No accommodation
On October 21st, more than 30 refugees from Ukraine found themselves without shelter and had to spend the night at Dublin Airport. The Citywest Transit hub for asylum seekers was at capacity and had to turn away 33 single Ukrainian men after giving them temporary protection status.
The Minister for Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, said that the Citywest Transit Hub is entirely full and authorities were prioritizing providing accommodation for women, children and the most vulnerable over the weekend. Single men, however, had no option but to head to the airport to seek shelter.
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The report states the plight of an 18-year-old young man who was brought to Citywest but had to sleep on chairs on his first night due to the facility being full. The next day, he filled out some paperwork to get access to temporary protection but was then sent away.
Pausing arrivals to the transit hub
Looking at the situation, the government has decided to halt further refugee arrivals to the transit hub. Mr O’Gorman stated that the decision was taken to protect the interest of those already seeking refuge at the center.
Citywest Transit Hub is already said to be accommodating around 58,000 people, of which 42,000 are from Ukraine and the rest from International Protection.
A statement from the authorities said,
“The Department is working urgently across Government and with agencies, NGOs and local authorities to bring new accommodation on board so that the State’s humanitarian responsibilities can be met to both IPs and those from Ukraine. Officials from the Department also briefed the Ukrainian Embassy today.”
“However, access to suitable accommodation is severely constrained. Current projections indicate a shortfall of 15,000 beds by December as the number of Ukrainians and IP applicants arriving is expected to remain at elevated levels.”
At the moment, only temporary measures are available. RTE reports that from Monday onwards, the government and Dublin Airport plan to offer some make-shift arrangements for refugees unable to find accommodation in the city until the situation can be resolved.
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Source: RTE
