Refugee centres struggle with housing bottleneck in Cork

Accommodation centres for international protection seekers in Cork are facing significant challenges as residents who have been granted refugee status remain unable to find alternative housing, according to new reports from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa).

Inspections of two International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres in Cork revealed a critical housing shortage that is keeping refugees trapped in temporary accommodation long after they’ve been granted legal status to remain in Ireland.

At Ashbourne House in Cork city, nearly three-quarters of the 65 residents have received refugee or subsidiary protection status but cannot secure private accommodation. Similarly, Davis Lane Apartments in Mallow is housing 57 people in a facility designed for 52, with many residents awaiting alternative housing options.

According to The Echo Live, the reports highlight a complex problem where individuals granted international protection are unable to transition to permanent housing, effectively creating a bottleneck in the accommodation system.

Despite the overcrowding, inspectors noted some positive aspects. Residents at Davis Lane Apartments reported satisfaction with their living conditions, with the additional occupancy primarily involving young children and having minimal impact on living space.

Both centres received largely positive assessments from Hiqa, with most areas found to be compliant or substantially compliant. However, inspectors identified areas for improvement, including the need for better staff training and more robust systems for supporting vulnerable residents.

A key concern was the lack of a dedicated reception officer at Davis Lane Apartments, though the provider was in the process of recruiting for this crucial role.

The reports underscore the ongoing challenges in Ireland’s international protection accommodation system, where the path to permanent housing remains difficult for those seeking refuge.

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