TAOISEACH Simon Harris has admitted that the protocols in place for a tented asylum camp during freezing conditions were not followed.
The Fine Gael leader said that hundreds were left in “disgraceful” conditions as temperatures plummeted to -4C.
Videos are circulating online from inside the Government-provided Crooksling accommodation site on Monday night that have raised concerns from advocacy groups.
They now believe the safety of around 500 male asylum seekers were at risk due to the conditions.
Images show beds getting wet due to rain, leaks in the roofs and mud covering the floor.
Once seeing the video, Mr Harris said: “I’m not happy about this. I’ve been onto departments about this this morning, because there’s very clear protocols in place as to what should happen at times of severe weather.
“In the Crooksling site, there is an ability to move people indoors, albeit temporarily, and I’m concerned that that didn’t happen [on Monday night].
“I have read the reasons and the explanations, and they’re not good enough in my view. I’ve been assured by the Department of Children no one will have to sleep outside tonight (last night).”
In a statement last night, the department added: “The safety and well-being of residents of our accommodation centres, and in particular this week at Crooksling and other tented sites, is our priority.
“Contingency plans to use the buildings on the site as temporary indoor accommodation have been put into action, and all residents will either be moved into the indoor buildings, or to another site, before tonight.
“Our team are on site at Crooksling and will remain in place while we work to ensure people are warm and dry.”
The residents in the accommodation have since been moved indoors or to another site as temperatures continue to drop.
‘FUNDAMENTALLY INAPPROPRIATE’
It is, however, believed they will return to their tented area once temperatures rise again.
In a statement, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council Nick Henderson said the Government supplied tents were “fundamentally inappropriate for people seeking international protection to be placed in”.
He said: “We have seen footage and received reports, from yesterday, of extremely concerning conditions in Crooksling. Sodden clothes, wet floors and leaking roofs.
“After the rain now comes the cold. This morning we have asked IPAS to move people indoors at least until the cold weather passes.”
WEATHER WARNING
Extremely low temperatures of -4C and dangerous icy conditions are set to grip Ireland for the rest of this week, with a warning of another cold day ahead and with “hard frost and plenty of ice” to continue.
There is also set to be a “significant risk of rain and sleet turning to snow” later today.
A status orange snow and ice warning has been issued for Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
Significant snowfall accumulations are expected under this new warning
