Government to review how IPAS applicants are managed in Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleThe government has agreed to carry out a review into how the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) operates in County Wicklow.
The move comes after concerns were raised about the high concentration of IPAS accommodation centres in west Wicklow in comparison to other areas of the county.
Recent figures provided to a meeting of Wicklow County Council’s Strategic Housing Policy Committee highlighted the geographical spread across the county, with 673 based solely within the Baltinglass Municipal District.
Following a parliamentary question from Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady, Migration Minister Jim O’Callaghan said it has not been possible for the State to apply specific policies in relation to the distribution of accommodation centres.
“IPAS was accommodating approximately 7,000 people at the end of 2021, and at the end of 2024, the total had grown to over 32,000 residents.
“As we respond to changing trends, and work toward a more stable and sustainable accommodation system in this sector, accommodation is being developed and delivered through a range of channels, with a focus on developing more State-owned accommodation.”
Minister O’Callaghan said Ireland is now working to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in mid-2026.
“Reforming and speeding up processing of applications should also serve over time to reduce the scale of the demand for international protection accommodation.”
“The Department is also working to increase the amount of State-owned international protection accommodation and creating a more stable and sustainable accommodation system.”
It is hoped a core supply of State-owned accommodation, of both emergency and permanent options will help to manage different accommodation types, locations and dispersal patterns nationwide.
Separately no decision has been made in relation to the future of a proposed IPAS centre at The Avon Hotel in Blessington. 95 Ukrainians are being moved out the facility this week as the need for this type of accommodation has reduced over the last year.
All offers of accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure which reviews the site suitability, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.
Consideration is also given to the location in relation to access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.
Local elected representatives and communities will be contacted by the Community Engagement Team about this property with any update.
Meanwhile Kippure Holiday Village is currently contracted by the Department to provide accommodation service for people seeking international protection.
The Department has acknowledged there is ongoing engagement between the provider and Wicklow County Council in relation to planning matters at the property.
Kippure Holiday Village will continue to accommodate people seeking international protection until this engagement is concluded. The Department will then consider any potential impact on the contract that is in place between the service provider and the Department.