401. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if plans to accommodate people seeking international protection at a location (details supplied) include the provision of transport services in order that they are not isolated and can access other amenities or appointments elsewhere; to list all other proposed services that will be provided to the residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23717/24]

On 27 March 2024, the Government agreed a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection (IP) applicants. The strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.

Work has begun to deliver on the new strategy including engaging with the Irish Prison Service on developing some of the Thornton Hall site for IP accommodation. A process to investigate the viability of the site is currently ongoing. Once this process is completed, DCEDIY will discuss further with the Irish Prison Service any next steps.

In general, the Department engages with relevant stakeholders and accommodation service providers as appropriate to ensure that international protection applicants placed in accommodation in isolated areas will have access to transportation for basic requirements.

The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) try to ensure in as far as possible that international protection applicants are not located in remote locations, however, given the current demand for accommodation, this is not always possible. In situations where a centre is located in an area without public transport links within a 2km radius, with manageable access, IPPS will ensure that a shuttle bus service to a nearby town or public transport stop is provided.

This Department engages with the Department of Transport, as the need arises, regarding the expansion of the Local Link network for both International Protection applicants and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.