Partial reprieve on IPAS evictions in Newbridge

LOCAL cllrs and Minister Martin Heydon TD lobbied against the eviction of 137 residents of Eyre Powell IPAS centre, Newbridge.

Residents of Eyre Powell IPAS centre received less than 24 hours’ notice that they were to be moved to centres in Dundalk and Tipperrary.

The reason for this relates to fire safety, where the IPAS centre does not meet the requirements for a Fire Safety Certificate. 

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth sent the letter alerting residents of their move, and said: “In addition to this notice, you will each receive a letter with the specific location you are moving to and the date of the move.” 

“We will not be in a position to confirm where you are moving until you receive your letter with the location.” 

The Department quickly changed their tune following huge backlash from local community groups, councillors and TDs, and responded by cancelling the transfers of some residents of the centre:

“While our teams are still working through the urgent response to this issue, it is hoped that families with children in school in the area will not be moved to alternative accommodation.” 

It said: “The building may potentially be unsafe at the current capacity and that remedial works are needed to resolve this. As a result, it is necessary for IPAS to reduce the approved capacity at this centre, and agree with the provider, and with Kildare County Council, a clear timeline for remedial works to be completed and certified.” 

Minister Martin Heydon TD quickly got involved and has been working with cllr Peggy O’Dwyer to “meet residents and offer support, to get a solution.” 

“Some progress was made yesterday evening as remedial works are planned and it is hoped that families with children in school in the area will not be moved to alternative accommodation as capacity will need to be reduced.” 

“We will continue to follow up on this and keep pressure on to ensure that safety standards and conditions at the centre are improved,” concluded Minister Heydon.

While the Department has issued a decrease in the residents being evicted, many are still affected, with one Newbridge family in complete distress as they will be moved from the home they have integrated into, and from services they desperately need.

One of the family members said: “My sisters, my mother and I have built lives in this community, we go to college in Dublin and are within three months of finishing our course.” 

“We have received the grades to continue to the next level in our college course. We have part-time jobs as we continue to study.” 

“Our mother who has diabetes and heart problems attends medical facilities in Naas and Dublin.” 

“We had dreams of rebuilding our lives after a very difficult situation for our family and thankfully we now have refugee status so we have the opportunity.” 

“These dreams were shattered with the news that we have to move to Tipperary on Friday as we won’t be able to continue our studies. We are afraid for our mother having to find new doctors and medical facilities. We are afraid for our future,” she concluded.

More updates on the situation will follow.