Jim O'Callaghan

The site has been leased by the State since 2020, initially as part of the Covid-19 response and since 2022 as a transit hub and accommodation centre for Ukrainian citizens and people seeking international protection.

It currently has capacity to accommodate approximately 2,300 people, which the government says will not change as a result of the purchase.

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “In a sector that has seen extremely high costs in recent times, purchasing Citywest makes prudent financial sense for the State compared to costs of leasing the site.

“The purchase represents a payback period to the State of approximately four years, and over 25 years, the purchase and operating cost model offer savings of more than €1 billion, while delivering a permanent State asset.”

He continued: “I am committed to reforming Ireland’s international protection system to ensure its efficiency and robustness.

“A stable and sustainable accommodation network is a central element of that reform. My goal is to improve processing systems so that people can receive a decision quickly and fairly, curtailing the need for constant growth in our accommodation system.

“Purchasing Citywest is a hugely significant step towards achieving this. It is an opportunity to deliver a State-owned accommodation centre.

“State-owned centres are part of the government’s long-term plan to reduce the reliance on private accommodation providers in communities resulting in better value for money of public funds and a more efficient international protection system.”

Colm Brophy, minister of state for migration, added: “The purchase of this site comes with a strong commitment to engagement with the local community.

“There are no immediate plans to increase the capacity at the Citywest site, and the Department wants to support amenities, local services and integration in the area.

“Our community engagement team is ready to begin working closely with local community leaders, community groups and stakeholders.”

Following the purchase, the Department will initiate a transition plan with the current service provider for a period of 12 months to ensure there is no disruption to the accommodation services at the site.

The service provider will continue to oversee the management and provision of services including catering, cleaning, maintenance and security, resident check in, operational support, finance and other services.

There are no immediate plans to increase capacity at the site as part of the purchase.

The Department is also in ongoing discussions to ensure the leisure centre on the site remains open to the public following the purchase. The leisure centre has approximately 3,000 members and is a valuable amenity for the local community.