Government looking to buy properties with 150 bedrooms for refugee accommodation

The Department of Integration is seeking expressions of interest from developers and building contractors with suitable premises that they would sell or lease

By: irishmirror.ie

Apr 30 2024
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Government looking to buy prop

The Government is looking to buy or lease large properties with at least 150 bedrooms for the accommodation of refugees, the Irish Mirror can reveal.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth began seeking expressions of interest today from property owners, private developers and building contractors for the provision of such premises.

It is willing to consider properties in turnkey condition, properties that require renovation, and planned properties that have yet to be built. However, each property must have at least 150 bedrooms.

Earlier this month, the department told the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee that it was no longer accepting offers of commercial accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).

Instead of paying hotels or other providers on a monthly basis per BOTP, it is now seeking to buy or lease vast properties for this purpose, and has emphasised that there will be no service contracts involved following the transfer of properties.

In a preliminary market consultation document published today, the department specifies that the properties must be compliant with planning permission, building regulations, fire safety requirements, and national standards.

They should either be located in populated areas or have access to populated areas via public transport, providing easy access to shops and medical services.

If external shops are inaccessible, suitable properties may have “space for shops” and ancillary services such as medical or educational facilities. Office space and indoor recreation areas are also desirable.

The department is also hoping to secure properties with outdoor spaces nearby such as gardens, playgrounds and basketball courts, as well as ample parking and space for buses and delivery trucks to manoeuvre.

Each property must have at least 150 bedrooms, and a percentage of these must be accessible for people with disabilities.

Certain properties will not be considered under the process. These include premises set aside for social housing, student accommodation, and buildings that are currently operating as nursing homes.

The first deadline for expressions of interest is May 29. These will be prioritised but submissions will continue to be accepted after this date for what appears to be an open-ended scheme.

Those offering properties for consideration may be excluded in a number of circumstances, including if they are bankrupt or non-compliant in respect of tax liabilities.

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