HIQA Finds 102 Residents in Tents Despite 146 Vacancies at Co Clare IPAS Centre

HIQA inspectors found 102 of 208 residents at a Co Clare IPAS centre living in military-style tents in January, despite 146 vacancies in on-site accommodation blocks. Temperatures in some tents dropped to 7.1°C in early January. No contingency plan or risk assessment was in place for acceptable tent temperatures or evacuation circumstances.

HIQA requested an urgent risk assessment for staff guidance if temperatures fell below 16°C, which the provider completed. Conditions in the six prefabricated blocks were «marginally better» but had deteriorated since the previous inspection, with mould, dampness, and water ingress unaddressed. HIQA noted a «lack of a clear strategic plan» at senior management level.

Of the residents, 128 (61.5%) had received refugee or protection status but remained due to a lack of alternative private accommodation. The report, one of five published by HIQA today, also highlighted good practices like access to health services and education support. Areas for improvement included accommodation, governance, safeguarding, and special needs identification.