International protection applicants living in tents in central Dublin were relocated to different tented accommodations due to concerns about their health and well-being.
Hundreds of asylum seekers staying in tents outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street were transported to new accommodation earlier today. The camp’s area is now littered with abandoned and damaged tents and a buildup of trash.
The Department of Integration clarified that the new accommodation provided is not solely for the St. Patrick’s weekend but will continue beyond that. The alternative tented accommodation is located at Crooksling.
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore questioned whether this move was a public relations tactic ahead of St. Patrick’s weekend festivities. She cited reports from volunteers at Crooksling, mentioning the distribution of sleeping bags and ground mats to those at the site, which had recently suffered damage from a suspected arson attack. Whitmore criticised the Department of Integration for its situation management and lack of communication.
Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin commented on social media about the relocation, suggesting that the move was influenced by political pressure. He also addressed reports of a scabies outbreak among some residents at the camp, stating that it should not have taken a disease outbreak for action to be taken.
