In a recent development, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman reaffirmed the plan to utilize the Coolock site for International Protection families. At the launch of the Government’s Traveller and Roma Strategy, O’Gorman acknowledged the proposal put forth by the Northside Partnership for broader community engagement.
Addressing questions about the placement of International Protection applicants at a hotel in Dundrum, which has been hosting Ukrainian refugees, the Minister confirmed the continuation of the plan. The facility has housed around 280 Ukrainian families over the past year and is set to accommodate a similar number of International Protection applicants.
O’Gorman expressed confidence in the success of the accommodation for both Ukrainians and International Protection applicants. He also highlighted the shift in accommodation needs due to the changing dynamics of Ukrainians in Ireland.
Overall, the Minister emphasized the need to optimize the accommodation portfolio to address compliance issues and maximize resource utilization in the face of evolving circumstances.