LATEST: Plans to open temporary centre for female-only asylum seekers and families in Kildare

An asylum seeker centre for single females and families has been planned for a site in North Kildare.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader, Social Democrats co-leader and TD Catherine Murphy said that she was informed about the plans for International Protection Applicants (IPAs) on Friday, January 27 last, and Kildare County Council have also been made aware of the facility.

In the document, which has been seen by the Leinster Leader, it is noted that the final capacity for the site, located at Ryevale House in Leixlip, is still being determined, but it will be for approximately 80 people.

In one section, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth says: "The resident breakdown will be for families and single females; this will not be a centre for single males."

The Department also said: "It is not possible to say with certainty what the length of stay will be having regard to the number of IPAs arriving and the scarcity of alternative accommodation.

"This remains under review but we would note that the Department has recently completed a tender process for additional accommodation."

The Department also said: "Each resident will have their own lockable bedroom, access to a common room and front door keys for 24 hour access.

"Applicants are eligible to work from six months after their arrival in Ireland.

"Most of the residents will be new arrivals."

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In addition, an integration fund is available to assist in linkages to local communities.

The Department further said that:

• IPAs may avail of English language classes through the ETB.
• IPAS carry out resident clinics at all new and existing accommodation locations.
• IPAS work with a number of NGOs who provide support to residents in the form of
  clinics, and in addition there is a DCEDIY funded confidential NGO run helpline to
  assist with any queries a resident may have.
• IPAs may avail of English language classes through their local ETB.
• An adult resident receives an allowance of €38.80 per week while a parent is
  entitled to €29.80 to cover essentials for their child. Residents also get three
  meals per day.
• Children will attend school during the day.
• IPAs have a team working to provide vulnerability assessments.
• IPAs are not entitled to apply for or avail of social housing or the Housing Assistance Payment while their claim for asylum is being determined by the International Protection Office (IPO).

According to the Department, emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country: "There have been
in excess of 60 accommodation locations utilised in 2022 across 17 counties."

"These options must be considered to prevent homelessness for the unprecedented numbers of people arriving seeking international protection."