IPAS centre next to Croke Park shut down
Sarah Slater
An International Protection Centre located next to Croke Park has been shut down by the Department of Justice.
The Department’s Community Engagement Team said it has decided “not to renew the contract at Croke Park Stadium, Century House, North Richmond Street Industrial Estate, Richmond Street North, Dublin 1, D01CC63,” an accommodation centre for people seeking international protection in recent communication with local councillors.
In a statement, the Department outlined that following “inspections and appraisals,” they have decided “not to renew the contract” with the provider at this centre.
Up to 96 residents at the centre were informed of this decision on Tuesday, March 10th and transfer letters were issued to them on the same day. There were no children residing at the centre.
All centre residents who wanted to continue to receive State-funded accommodation were relocated to another centre last Thursday.
The most up-to-date published figures from the Department show that 22 contracts with providers of such accommodation have been terminated.
Around 475 families in direct provision centres, the Department confirmed, have received notices to leave their accommodation this month despite attempts from the largest statutory homelessness provider, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) that these letters should stop.
The Department statement explained that while providing accommodation to people seeking international protection, the Department of Justice prioritises residents’ welfare and safety.
Compliance with all statutory and regulatory standards is the responsibility of the provider with the relevant oversight authority. If a contract renewal is being considered, the Department carries out inspections to ensure contractual compliance.
Contracts for IPAS accommodation can be terminated or not renewed for various reasons, including when a provider or IPAS chooses to end a contract, compliance concerns exist, or rates cannot be agreed.
“Compliance concerns arise if a provider is not meeting the required standards of service. They might include health, safety and wellbeing concerns for residents, incorrect charges by providers or unregulated secondary properties, among others,” the statement added.
A Department spokesperson added that they appreciate that relocating can be “very disruptive” for people.
“IPAS (has been) in contact with residents and centre management to keep them informed of relocation plans and to offer support.”
The IPAS resident welfare team is liaising with the centre management and residents to identify particular considerations, such as people with medical needs and students sitting exams.
“While IPAS recognises that people may be integrating into the community, attending education or working, given the dispersed nature of our available accommodation options, new accommodation may not be available in the same area,” the spokesperson noted.
The Department thanked colleagues in the Local Government Management Agency and Dublin City Council, local representatives and stakeholders, for “their support for the residents and operation of this centre during its time in use”.
