1,600+ Asylum Seekers Without Accommodation Since May
- A significant number of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland are being left without state-provided accommodation due to a surge in applications and limited capacity.
- Over 1,600 migrants who have claimed asylum in Ireland have not been offered State accommodation since May 2025,according to Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan.
- The figures,provided in response to a Parliamentary Question,show a consistent pattern of unaccommodated applicants throughout the period:
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Ireland Asylum Accommodation Crisis: Over 1,600 Migrants Unhoused Since May
A significant number of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland are being left without state-provided accommodation due to a surge in applications and limited capacity. This article details the scale of the issue, the reasons behind it, and the support offered to those affected.
The Situation: A Growing Number Left Without Accommodation
Over 1,600 migrants who have claimed asylum in Ireland have not been offered State accommodation since May 2025,according to Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan. This represents a substantial challenge to Ireland’s international protection system.
The figures,provided in response to a Parliamentary Question,show a consistent pattern of unaccommodated applicants throughout the period:
May – 296
June – 309
July – 351
august – 317
September – 407
These numbers highlight the increasing strain on Ireland’s resources and the difficulties in providing adequate housing for those seeking international protection.
Why is this happening? The Surge in Applications
Justice Minister O’Callaghan attributes the current situation to an “unprecedented surge” in international protection applications between 2022 and 2024.Over 45,000 additional applicants arrived during this period, a dramatic increase compared to the typical 8,000-9,000 arrivals seen in previous three-year periods.
This surge coincided with the need to accommodate a large influx of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, placing further pressure on available resources. The State was together tasked with sourcing over 26,000 beds for international protection applicants and up to 60,000 beds for Ukrainian refugees.
The combination of these factors led to a critical shortage of suitable accommodation, forcing the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) to cease offering accommodation to all single male applicants arriving in ireland from December 2023.
What Support is Available to Unaccommodated Applicants?
Applicants who are not offered accommodation undergo a vulnerability triage upon arrival. Those deemed not promptly requiring accommodation receive a weekly allowance of €113.80. This is an increase of €75 compared to the standard weekly allowance for asylum seekers.
IPAS also conducts outreach seven days a week to identify unaccommodated applicants and offer them accommodation if available. however, it’s important to note that not all unaccommodated applicants are necessarily experiencing homelessness.
Data Overview: International Protection Applicants in ireland
| Month | Number of Unaccommodated applicants |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | 296 |
| June 2025 | 309 |
| July 2025 | 351 |
| August 2025 | 317 |
| September 2025 | 407 |
| Total (May-Sept 2025) | 1,680 |