Bacik 'disappointed' six asylum seekers housed in Dublin 4 out of 21,000

The area covered by the Dublin 4 postcode is home to just six asylum seekers of 21,387 across the country.

The Irish Times reported there are 7,772 International Protection applicants being accommodated by the State in Dublin.

According to figures provided by Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman, six of these applicants reside in Dublin 4, while the most populous area for asylum seekers is Dulin 22 with 1,780 applicants.

Closer to the city, there 589 asylum seekers in Dublin 1 in the north inner city and 581 in Dublin 3, covering Clontarf, East Wall and Fairview.

Outside of Dublin, Cork has the largest amount of asylum seekers in accommodation at 1,513, followed by Donegal (1,136), Wicklow (1,077) and Meath (913).

Accommodation available

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said there are several areas in Dublin 4 that could host asylum seekers despite the lack of provisions currently available.

“I’ve been urging Minister O’Gorman to put into use some large empty premises in Dublin 4 for provision of accommodation for those seeking refuge here,” she said.

The TD, who’s Dublin Bay South constituency covers Dublin 4, 6, 6W, 8, 14, 16, said the The Royal City of Dublin Hospital on Baggot Street or closed Jury’s Inn would be suitable for asylum seekers.

The Royal City of Dublin Hospital on Upper Baggot Street closed in 1987.

Deputy Bacik said she is extremely concerned by these low numbers.

“It’s essential that every community offer up every vacant property,” she said. “I’ve certainly been working with the Minister to ensure that every community across my own constituency will offer accommodation.”

‘It’s incumbent on every community’

The Labour leader said she is “surprised” by the figures but conceded that there are logistical issues.

“I do recognise that some areas have higher levels of vacant areas than others,” she said.

“But at the same time, it’s incumbent on every community that any vacant property is offered up.

“I’m disappointed, but I’ll work with the Minister now to see that this changes and we see more provisions in Dublin 4.”