Plans forge ahead to house 1,000 asylum seekers at Thornton Hall

Plans are forging ahead to house up to 1,000 international protection applicants at the Thornton Hall site in North County Dublin.

Local politicians were yesterday provided with a detailed document from The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth outlining details of the arrangement.

It was announced earlier this year that the 156-acre site, owned by the Department of Justice would be utilised for “emergency-style” tents due to the ongoing accommodation crisis.

According to the document 35 acres of the site is being developed by a private company called IEMS who are contracted by the department to help provide safe accommodation for people who have for International Protection.

The accommodation will be for single adult men.

A two year license agreement was signed on June 11th 2024 between the Irish Prison Service and The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for use of part of the site.

It goes on to say that tented accommodation is viewed as "a short-term solution," allowing DCEDIY more time to source alternatives, including modular units.

"Accommodation will be provided on a phased basis starting with six accommodation tents and six for ancillary services," the letter states.

"These tents will accommodate 40 people. Phase two will accommodate approximately 440 people. A fully catered service will be provided including three meals offered to all residents every day.

" The contractor will provide a sufficient number of eco-toilets and shower blocks for residents. Waste water and sewage will be removed from the site on a scheduled basis."

On how the site will be managed, the document says that contractor staff will be "present 24/7" and the 'House Rules' explain how the centre is managed to centre residents.

All accommodation centres for people seeking international protection have security protection according to the department and there is and "will continue to be a security presence on the site.”

A fence will be erected around the perimeter of the accommodation centre an all centre residents are free to come and go from the centre, as they wish, but they must sign in and out with security.

The document describes how protesters have maintained "a consistent presence at both gates on the site."

It goes on to say that encampments are making it extremely difficult for required works to be carried out and serious incidents that have been carried out on site by "bad actors” include animal cruelty, persistent verbal threats and objects thrown at individuals trying to work on the site and stalking of security personnel.

It is expected to take 4 – 5 weeks from when works begin until the first tents are ready for use.

A meeting between The Community Engagement Team (CET) and community representatives, with the support of the Local Development Company is planned for next week. It is unclear if Meath based community representatives will be a part of this discussion.