Department says it can't comment on Coole modular housing speculation
The Department of Integration says that it can't comment on whether there are plans to house international protection (IP) applicants in modular housing in a north Westmeath village.
Video and photographic footage posted on social media in recent weeks appears to show the foundations of modular homes being constructed on a site in Coole, close to the village's medical centre.
The footage has led to speculation locally that the site is being developed to house IP applicants. Coole is already home to around 100 people seeking international protection. Since last November they have been housed in Coole Court, a 12 apartment development in a renovated section of what was St Joseph's Orthopaedic Hospital.
When news broke last autumn that IP applicants were to be housed in Coole Court, there were protests outside the development for a number of weeks. Protestors cited a number of concerns, including the lack of infrastructure and facilities in the village to cope with a population increase of around 100 people
When contacted by the Westmeath Examiner about whether a new site in Coole is being developed to house IP applicants in modular homes, the Department of Integration issued this statement: “ (The) Department can only confirm use of a premises if a contract has been signed, and will, in the first instance, inform local public representatives and statutory agencies.
“A Community Engagement Team (CET) has been established to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals.
“The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.”
The government recently announced that it has developed a new accommodation strategy for IP applicants, which will see a move away from reliance on private providers, and instead scale up capacity through a “multi-strand approach of state-owned accommodation, commercial accommodation and temporary commercial accommodation”.
The Department of Intergration estimates that between 13,000 and 16,000 IP applicants will arrive in Ireland each year between 2024 and 2028. It had previously estimated that there would be around 3,500 applicants each year.