Tents Now Being Used For Refugees At Meath Army Camp

Tented accommodation for Ukrainian refugees is opening in Gormanston in Meath today.

Up to 150 people fleeing the war will be temporarily housed at the army camp this week. The site has a capacity for 350 people.

The centre has opened due to a chronic shortage of space at the country's main reception centre at CityWest.

Beds at Gormanston Army Camp. Image: Department of Taoiseach.

It's the first time tents are being used, and the Integration Minister has said they could be added in other areas to meet future demands.

CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, Nick Henderson, says using them is unacceptable;

"I think it's a very serious indication of the situation that we're in. 16 people to a tent accommodated on Defence Force land, it's really very concerning."

He says tented accommodation should be used for the shortest period possible.

Visa change

Meanwhile, refugees coming here from 20 'safe' European countries will need a visa from today under new rule changes.

The Cabinet decided to suspend visa-free travel yesterday. It's over concerns the immigration system was being 'exploited', with a large number of protection applications already being granted in other states.

Ukrainians arriving here will not be impacted by the rule change.