Hundreds of Refugees “Trapped” in Cork IPAS Centres Amid Housing Crisis
Hundreds of people in Cork are “trapped” in international Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centres due to a “broken” housing system,according to a Cork TD. The crisis has left 450 individuals in Cork, and 5,300 nationally, unable to leave these centres despite being granted permission to stay in Ireland.Once granted refugee status or permission to remain (PTR), individuals are entitled to rights and responsibilities similar to Irish citizens, including access to employment, housing, social welfare, education, and healthcare. Though, the lack of available housing has left many unable to transition out of IPAS centres.
A spokesperson for the Department of Integration told The Echo: “The State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people in IPAS centres. Most of these people are going through the international-protection application process and can be at different stages of that process.”
the spokesperson added, “As of December 2024, approximately 5,300 of those accommodated in IPAS centres have been granted status or PTR. This includes approximately 450 people staying in IPAS centres across the county of Cork.”
Despite having the same housing entitlements as Irish citizens, including access to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), many refugees are unable to secure alternative accommodation. “The department is very mindful of the challenges that exist for people in trying to move on from the international-protection system, as there is meaningful pressure on housing availability within the private rental sector, social-housing, and housing market across Ireland,” the spokesperson noted.
The situation has been exacerbated by the broader housing crisis in Ireland. HIQA has repeatedly highlighted the high percentage of people in Cork IPAS centres who have been granted PTR but remain in these facilities. Such as, 111 people, or 63% of residents, at an accommodation center on Kinsale Road are still occupying beds despite no longer needing to be there.
Sinn Féin TD for Cork north Central, Thomas Gould, told The Echo: “This housing crisis is far-reaching and pervasive. its impacts are felt by everyone, but most acutely by our most vulnerable.” He added, “Many of these people, trapped in direct provision, are our healthcare workers, our shop workers, and our friends. They’ve built lives here and fled war and persecution.”
Gould emphasized the systemic issues at play: “Many of these people have jobs and should be in the private rental sector, but the reality is that availability just isn’t there. The housing system is broken.”
The crisis is not limited to those with refugee status. Last year, 3,000 international-protection applicants were left without accommodation due to a lack of available places.
Key Statistics: Cork and National IPAS Crisis
Table of Contents
| Category | Cork | National |
|———————————-|—————-|—————-|
| People with PTR in IPAS centres | 450 | 5,300 |
| Total in IPAS centres | N/A | 33,000 |
| Residents at Kinsale Road centre | 111 (63%) | N/A |
The housing crisis in Cork and across Ireland continues to deepen, leaving thousands of refugees and asylum seekers in limbo. As the government grapples with the challenges of housing availability, the plight of those “trapped” in IPAS centres underscores the urgent need for systemic reform.
For more insights into the housing crisis in Cork, explore how cork is one of the worst-hit regions and the broader implications for students and vulnerable populations.what are your thoughts on the housing crisis and its impact on refugees? Share your views and join the conversation below.
“Trapped in Limbo”: A Deep Dive into cork’s Housing Crisis and Its Impact on Refugees
As Ireland’s housing crisis deepens, thousands of refugees and asylum seekers find themselves unable to transition out of International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centres, despite being granted permission to stay in the contry. In Cork alone, 450 individuals wiht refugee status or permission to remain (PTR) are stuck in these facilities, unable to access housing in the private rental or social housing sectors. To shed light on this pressing issue, we sat down with dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, a leading expert in migration and housing policy, to discuss the systemic challenges and potential solutions.
The Scale of the Crisis: Cork and Beyond
Senior Editor: Dr. O’Sullivan, thank you for joining us. The numbers are staggering—5,300 people nationally, including 450 in Cork, are stuck in IPAS centres despite having PTR. Can you explain why this is happening?
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan: thank you for having me. The core issue here is the severe lack of available housing across Ireland, notably in high-demand areas like Cork. When refugees are granted PTR, they are legally entitled to the same housing rights as irish citizens, including access to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). However, the private rental market is oversaturated, and social housing lists are years long. This leaves many refugees with no viable options, forcing them to remain in IPAS centres even though they no longer need to be there.
Senior Editor: The kinsale Road center in Cork is a particularly striking example, with 63% of its residents—111 people—still occupying beds despite having PTR.What does this tell us about the broader system?
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan: It highlights a systemic failure. These individuals are ready to integrate into society—they have jobs, pay taxes, and contribute to thier communities. Yet, they’re trapped in a system designed for temporary accommodation. This not only undermines their dignity but also places needless strain on IPAS centres, which are already stretched thin. The fact that 63% of residents at Kinsale Road are in this situation is a clear indicator that the housing crisis is exacerbating inefficiencies in the asylum process.
The Broader Housing Crisis: A National challenge
Senior Editor: How does the broader housing crisis in Ireland intersect with the challenges faced by refugees?
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan: The housing crisis affects everyone, but it disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, including refugees. Such as, last year, 3,000 international protection applicants were left without accommodation due to a lack of available places. This is a direct result of the housing shortage. When you combine this with the fact that refugees face additional barriers—such as language difficulties, discrimination, and unfamiliarity with the rental market—it becomes nearly impossible for them to secure housing independently.
Senior Editor: Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould has called the housing system “broken.” do you agree with that assessment?
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan: Absolutely. The system is not just broken; it’s failing on multiple fronts. We have a chronic shortage of social housing, skyrocketing rents in the private sector, and insufficient support for vulnerable groups. Refugees are just one group caught in this web, but their plight underscores the urgent need for systemic reform. Without notable investment in affordable housing and targeted support for refugees,this crisis will only worsen.
Potential Solutions: What Can Be Done?
Senior Editor: What steps can the government take to address this issue?
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan: There are several immediate and long-term solutions. First, the government must increase funding for social housing and fast-track the construction of affordable homes. Second, we need to expand the HAP scheme and ensure that refugees are prioritized within it. Third, the Department of Integration should work more closely with local authorities and NGOs to provide tailored support for refugees navigating the housing market. we need to address the root causes of the housing crisis, such as speculative investment and inadequate planning policies.
Senior Editor: What role can the private sector and communities play in alleviating this crisis?
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan: The private sector has a crucial role to play. Landlords and property developers can work with the government to provide affordable rental units. Communities can also step up by supporting local initiatives that help refugees integrate, such as language classes and job training programs. Ultimately, solving this crisis requires a collective effort—one that recognizes the humanity and potential of every individual, regardless of their background.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
Senior Editor: dr. O’Sullivan, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that the housing crisis is not just a policy issue but a humanitarian one. What final message would you like to leave our readers with?
Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan: My message is simple: we cannot afford to ignore this crisis. Refugees are not just statistics; they are people who have fled unimaginable hardships to build a better life here.By failing to provide them with the basic dignity of a home,we are failing as a society.It’s time for urgent, meaningful action—not just for refugees, but for everyone affected by this crisis.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr.O’Sullivan, for your time and expertise. Let’s hope this conversation sparks the change we so desperately need.