COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 09, 2026

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor L. de Courcy

To ask the Chief Executive what procedures are in place when information about a potentially violent or dangerous international protection applicant being located/relocated in South Dublin is brought to the attention of the council, acknowledging International Protection Accommodation Service centres are beyond the remit of the council but also acknowledging the responsibility of the council to engage with An Garda Siochana and the Community Engagement Team of the Department of Justice.

REPLY:

While the operation and management of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres are a matter for the Department of Justice and are outside the direct remit of the Council, South Dublin County Council has clear procedures in place for responding when information relating to potential safety or security concerns is brought to its attention.

Where information is received indicating that an international protection applicant may pose a risk to public safety, the matter is immediately escalated through established engagement channels with the Department of Justice Community Engagement Team and, where appropriate, An Garda Síochána. The Community Engagement Team meets regularly with management and relevant stakeholders to raise and address any concerns, ensure appropriate information sharing, and coordinate responses within their respective statutory responsibilities. The Council continues to fully support and participate in this engagement framework.

Management of all IPAS centres maintains an ongoing working relationship with local Gardaí. Any concerns relating to alleged violence, criminal behaviour, or threats to community safety within an IPAS setting are referred directly to An Garda Síochána, who are responsible for operational policing matters and the investigation of any alleged criminal activity.

In addition, the Department of Justice, through its Community Engagement Team, is committed to ensuring that local communities and elected representatives have access to accurate and timely information and will continue to engage with local representatives as issues arise. The Council will continue to facilitate cooperation between all relevant agencies, within its statutory role, in the interests of community safety and reassurance.