Tented accommodation for Ukrainian refugees will open in Gormanston, Co. Meath today.
Up to 150 people fleeing the war will be temporarily housed there this week - it has a capacity for 350.
The centre has opened due to a chronic shortage of space at the country's main reception centre at CityWest in Dublin.
It's the first time tents are being used, and the Integration Minister has said they could be added in other areas to meet future demands.
Tented accommodation for Ukrainian refugees will open in Gormanston in Meath today.
Up to 150 people will be temporarily housed there this week - it has room for 350.
The centre has opened because of a chronic shortage of space at CityWest in Dublin. pic.twitter.com/t7tvVyK2Dh— Tom Douglas (@TomDouglas95) July 19, 2022
"Very Concerning"
CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson, says using them is unacceptable:
"I think its a very serious indication of the situation we're in, 16 people to a tent accommodated on Defence Forces land."
"That's really very concerning."
"It's really imperative that - if we are going to use tented accommodation then it's for the shortest period possible."
