Figures released on 7 December 2025 reveal that two residents have died on-site in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres since January, while the total number of recorded ‘critical incidents’—including assaults, fires and serious medical emergencies—has jumped to 61. Advocates say the data underline how overcrowding and understaffing are straining facilities that were originally designed as short-term hostels rather than long-stay accommodation.
IPAS, which currently houses about 33,000 asylum seekers in more than 320 locations, attributes the spike partly to the sheer volume of residents and to the complex needs of people fleeing traumatic experiences. The agency has requested additional funding to add mental-health counsellors and security personnel and is fast-tracking fire-safety upgrades in older hotels converted during the pandemic.
![Two deaths and 61 ‘critical incidents’ this year put spotlight on safety in Ireland’s asylum centres]()
For corporates using Ireland as a European hub, the report is a reminder that employee-wellbeing assessments should extend beyond the workplace. Relocation managers are increasingly arranging private GP registrations and employee-assistance-programme access for dependent family members who may still be living in IPAS accommodation during work-permit processing.
Legal experts warn that further high-profile incidents could trigger stricter inspection regimes and even temporary suspension of some centres, creating sudden displacement of residents and fresh pressure on housing markets. The Government insists the system remains safe overall but acknowledges that more permanent, purpose-built reception facilities are urgently needed.
Business groups such as IBEC are calling for greater transparency, arguing that predictable and humane reception conditions are essential to safeguarding Ireland’s international reputation and its ability to attract mobile talent.
IPAS, which currently houses about 33,000 asylum seekers in more than 320 locations, attributes the spike partly to the sheer volume of residents and to the complex needs of people fleeing traumatic experiences. The agency has requested additional funding to add mental-health counsellors and security personnel and is fast-tracking fire-safety upgrades in older hotels converted during the pandemic.
For corporates using Ireland as a European hub, the report is a reminder that employee-wellbeing assessments should extend beyond the workplace. Relocation managers are increasingly arranging private GP registrations and employee-assistance-programme access for dependent family members who may still be living in IPAS accommodation during work-permit processing.
Legal experts warn that further high-profile incidents could trigger stricter inspection regimes and even temporary suspension of some centres, creating sudden displacement of residents and fresh pressure on housing markets. The Government insists the system remains safe overall but acknowledges that more permanent, purpose-built reception facilities are urgently needed.
Business groups such as IBEC are calling for greater transparency, arguing that predictable and humane reception conditions are essential to safeguarding Ireland’s international reputation and its ability to attract mobile talent.
