Army camp in Co Wicklow used to house asylum seekers

A group of asylum seekers were housed at Kilbride Army Camp in Wicklow today.

Some people who arrived in Ireland seeking asylum this week could not be accommodated due to a shortage of accommodation due to a high influx of people seeking international protection.

Less than 100 asylum seekers were housed at Kilbride Camp today.

Ukrainian refugees were previously housed in the camp, but the new influx of people are asylum seekers seeking international protection from a variety of countries.

A spokesman for Integration Secretary Roderic O’Gorman confirmed today that the Department has secured a limited number of additional beds for applicants for international protection.

“Anyone who was not offered accommodation between Tuesday and Thursday and who did not provide contact details will be contacted today,” he added.

“Another 26 people were not housed as of January 27, bringing the total to 81 as of Tuesday. The department continues to work hard to source more housing.”

Ireland is now home to more than 75,500 people in crisis – over 55,500 Ukrainians as well as nearly 20,000 asylum seekers known to be applicants for international protection.