Local authorities have suggested that state-owned properties such as the Phoenix Park and Army barracks could be potential emergency sites for asylum seekers currently residing in tented settlements along the Grand Canal in Dublin. Over 70 tents housing migrants were reported near Lower Mount Street’s International Protection Office (IPO), with the encampments appearing just days after similar sites were dismantled following comments from Taoiseach Simon Harris about the prevention of “makeshift shanty towns” forming on streets.
Authorities at the moment do not have definitive plans to clear the area of tents, but sources have indicated that allowing them to remain there permanently is not a possibility. The government anticipates alternative accommodation for these asylum seekers will be found in due course, with some uncertainty regarding whether sufficient facilities will be available for all men currently in the tents and when they will be ready.
State-owned premises are potential new venues for accommodation, with the tented camps potentially moving to these lands in situations where there is a shortage of living space. One individual involved in this planning within government, however, stated that no imminent plans were in place.
Local Labour councillor Dermot Lacey expressed frustration at the perceived government inaction and emphasised the urgency of finding a solution. Lacey mentioned the state owned properties such as the Baggot Street Hospital and unidentified areas of Phoenix Park as potential sites, indicating that health and safety concerns combined with the wellbeing of the men demand a solution.
The South Georgian Core Residents’ Association, representing around 150 members in the vicinity, suggested that the IPO should reconsider its current operating location.
The struggle to find accommodation for migrants is ongoing, with tensions rising in regards to housing these individuals. Independent Councillor Mannix Flynn has voiced his empathy for not only the local residents and professionals, but the migrants as well. However, he expressed concern over a potential shift of the problem to other communities if the office were to be relocated. He questioned why the migrants were choosing to set up camp near the office, proposing the consideration of alternative temporary solutions such as barracks or Phoenix Park.
Green Party councillor Hazel Chu has recognized the concerns of local residents, while emphasizing that centrally locating the office provides necessary accessibility for a variety of people, including approaching asylum-seekers requiring processing and others who may need to use the office’s services. She has suggested the possible requirement for the establishment of backup emergency centres for processing due to the increasing demand.
Moreover, Chu proposed the need for a temporary solution, suggesting more accommodations akin to those in Crooksling – tented settlements complete with food and sanitation services – where people were moved to from outside the IPO the previous week. She articulated the need for such an interim solution while indoor spaces are being sought.
Waterways Ireland, alongside the Office of Public Works, was identified as responsible for the issues occurring along the canal by the Dublin City Council. However, by Sunday evening, they had not provided an official response to inquiries.
The Government has pledged its commitment to managing the rising demand for asylum seeker accommodation, recognizing the size of the challenge. Despite efforts, they admitted that the current situation presents difficulties and not all applicants can be guaranteed accommodation.