The total number of asylum seekers being accommodated in Limerick in December 2023 was 413. The figure stands at the lower end of the scale in terms of numbers recorded nationally.
The figures come according to International Protection Accommodation Services, which also show that neighbouring county Clare has 696 people, while Cork is housing 1,550.
County Galway was recorded as hosting 1,291 international protection applicants, while County Kerry had 808. In Dublin, there were 9,310 protection applicants accommodated.
Numbers include those seeking asylum in Ireland and do not include refugees from the war in Ukraine, of which, in December of last year, there were 2,096 recorded in Limerick – again significantly lower than neighbouring counties Cork (5,907), Kerry (7,292), Clare (3,763), and Galway (3,776).
John Lannon of Doras, the refugee and asylum seekers support agency based in Limerick, said that Treaty residents “should be proud” of the welcome they have offered to those in need.
“Like other parts of the country, Limerick has welcomed international protection applicants as well as beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine,” Mr Lannon said.
“Many asylum seekers are working and volunteering in the community and their children are attending local schools. Many others have had their applications for asylum processed and have moved on from direct provision to become full and active members of their community.
“Limerick should be proud of the welcome it has extended to people from other parts of the world. And, while we are all acutely aware of the shortage of housing for everyone, most people understand that buildings that become available should be used to provide for the basic needs of people who come here seeking refuge”.
Mr Lannon said that Doras welcomes the government’s plans to acquire large properties to be used as reception centres for those seeking shelter in Ireland, “but in the meantime, and particularly in the current freezing weather, there is no justification for locking our doors to anyone.”
