Severe Mould, Cockroaches, Overcrowding Found in Irish Direct Provision Centres

Recent inspections of direct provision centres in Ireland revealed severe issues including mould, cockroach infestations, and overcrowding. Reports published this year flagged hazards across several international protection accommodation centres.

At Corville House in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, a January inspection found leaks and severe mould in bedrooms, requiring urgent treatment and resident reallocation. An inspector warned against using a bathroom as a bedroom and noted overcrowding in some rooms, along with evidence of drug and alcohol use. The facility housed 262 residents.

The Grand Hotel in Co Wicklow, with a 130-resident capacity, showed severe mould in numerous bedrooms and ensuites, with massive holes in ceilings observed in March. Toilets and showers were broken or leaking. The inspector noted the centre was under new management and undergoing repairs.

Hearns Hotel in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, had a room locked due to a cockroach infestation in January, with the family relocated for fumigation. Roof leaks were found in the kitchen, stairwells, and some bedrooms, requiring urgent assessment. Massive mould issues and a need for deep cleaning were also reported. The San Giovanni centre in Slane, Co Meath, housing 28 single men, had serious mould and damp issues and was overcrowded by three residents. The Travelodge in Dublin Airport, accommodating 161 residents, also had significant damp and mould in bathrooms and a bedroom, with stained carpets needing replacement.

Conversely, several centres were commended for high standards. Ballisodare Apartments in Co Sligo, the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Dublin Airport, and Abbeyville House in Co Cork were noted as well-run facilities where residents were treated with respect and issues were promptly addressed.