The issue of accommodating refugees in Ireland has been a contentious topic in recent years. With the ongoing migrant crisis, the government has been struggling to find suitable and sustainable solutions to house those seeking asylum. However, a recent announcement by the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien that ruled out the use of ghost estates for refugee accommodation has sparked unrest among politicians, particularly TDs. This decision has been met with a mixed reaction, with some praising the Minister’s decision while others are concerned about the implications for both refugees and the communities in which they will be housed. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the Minister’s decision and the reactions it has generated among TDs.
The Integration Minister, Roderic O’Gorman, has rejected the idea of using ghost estates for refugee accommodation amid pressures on the government to address a long-standing blight. Despite the availability of homes and the ongoing refugee accommodation crisis, O’Gorman’s department has no plans to acquire ghost estates for housing. The dysfunctional housing market is perpetuated by the ongoing problem of unfinished and unoccupied ‘ghost estates’ from the Celtic Tiger-era. Independent TD Seán Canney revealed that the number of ghost estates has remained the same since 2022, with 75 developments remaining unfinished, and 40 unoccupied. While experts claim that up to 2,000 homes could be made available in the next six months, O’Gorman’s spokesman said that there are no plans to acquire ghost estates for housing, a decision that has disappointed many in his party.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the world, it is important that we come together as a society to support those who need it most. However, the recent decision by Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, to rule out using ghost estates as refugee accommodation has ignited a sense of unrest among TDs and the wider community.
While the decision has been met with disappointment, it is important to remember that we must work towards finding alternative solutions that are both safe and sustainable. This is not just a matter for the government or politicians, but for all of us as individuals and members of society.
Despite the challenges we face, it is heartening to see that people are coming together to support each other during these difficult times. It is our hope that we will continue to work towards finding solutions to support refugees, asylum seekers, and those in need, and that we can do so in a spirit of empathy and compassion.
