Over the weekend, a new tent encampment of over 40 tents appeared on Dublin’s Leeson Street near the Grand Canal. This marks a significant increase from the 30 tents pitched there just two days prior. The latest in a series of encampments to pop up across the capital, this one has drawn attention due to its size and proximity to offices and residential areas.
A clearance operation ensued following the removal of a large encampment from the Grand Canal banks in May. Since then, several other small groupings have emerged across the capital, including the most recent ones in Ballsbridge and Milltown.
According to reports, around 1,966 international protection applicants in Ireland are without accommodation, a figure that is expected to surpass 2,000 in the coming days. The Irish Refugee Council has expressed concern over the situation, warning of its worsening nature.
Concerns raised over refugee housing shortage
Inadequate housing and a lack of social services have forced many refugees to seek shelter on Dublin’s streets. The new encampment at Leeson Street Bridge is one such example. The refugee tents in Dublin brings to light new issues that will pose a negative impact on the community.
In early 2024, more than 6,000 people with international protection status inhabited government-owned or Ipas housing. However, with Ipas housing now full, there’s no room for the approximately 1,800 new applicants waiting for an accommodation offer. Some have resorted to camping on Dublin’s streets, while others seek shelter in churches, hotels, or even other cities and towns across Ireland.
According to an ESRI report, many refugees have difficulty exiting government-supplied lodgings due to a scarcity of social and economical housing options. Mainstream support services face various challenges, including insufficient aid, prejudice, communication difficulties, and data scarcity.
In response to the growing crisis, several stakeholders have voiced concerns over the welfare of refugees who have moved out of Ipas accommodation.
Over 3,600 men qualified for international protection and arrived in Ireland between December 2023 and the present. A total of 366 individuals have been provided with accommodation after their eligibility was confirmed through availability and vulnerability tests.
Statistical figures show that over 3,300 individuals were given financial settlements instead of housing, and about 1,337 were later offered housing.
I believe that people right across this country are two things when it comes to migration: I believe they’re compassionate and I believe they’re full of common sense
Simon Harris
Tackling the refugee tents in dublin crisis
Taoiseach Simon Harris acknowledged the compassionate and common-sense approach of Irish people towards migration. However, a more comprehensive solution must be implemented to address the root causes of this crisis and provide long-term housing solutions for Dublin’s refugees.
The situation at Leeson Street Bridge is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. It also represents only one element of a complex and pressing issue that Dublin, and indeed the entire country, must address to ensure the long-term welfare of its refugee community through the provision of sustainable housing solutions.
The growing number of refugees on Dublin’s streets is not only a humanitarian issue but also a public health concern. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, those in need must have access to proper housing and support services.
The Irish Refugee Council has warned of an impending crisis, so it’s crucial that the government take decisive action.
The escalating number of tent encampments in Dublin over the past few months underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable housing solution to safeguard the welfare of the city’s refugee community. Ensuring their well-being necessitates providing stable and secure housing arrangements, along with access to vital services, including healthcare, education, and employment prospects.
The predicament at Leeson Street Bridge serves as an urgent call to action, raising profound concerns about the government’s level of commitment to addressing these housing needs and ensuring the well-being of Dublin’s refugee community.
