Inspection Reports Published on IPAS Centres
20 May 2025
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has today issued inspection reports for seven permanent International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres across Ireland.
Previously referred to as direct provision centres, IPAS facilities offer housing for individuals seeking international protection.
HIQA evaluates these centres based on the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process (2019), focusing on the quality and safety of the services provided.
The inspection reports released today cover the following centres:
Dominick Street Complex, Co. Galway
Athlone Accommodation Centre, Co. Westmeath
Dublin Central Inn, Co. Dublin
Eglinton Centre, Co. Galway
Slaney Court Apartments, Co. Wicklow
Temple Accommodation Centre, Co. Westmeath
St Patrick’s Accommodation Centre, Co. Monaghan
Among these, the Eglinton Centre and Slaney Court Apartments were found to be fully compliant with the national standards. The remaining five centres displayed varying degrees of non-compliance.
Inspectors observed positive practices throughout the inspections. These included support for residents' integration into the community, access to cooking facilities, and the provision of educational, health and social supports. Child-focused measures were also evident, such as availability of study areas and well-equipped play spaces.
However, shortcomings were identified in several areas, including: assessing and responding to specific needs; the standard of accommodation; governance and oversight; emergency planning; and the supply of essential non-food items. For instance, two centres had not provided necessary items such as nappies, sanitary products, baby formula, and wipes, contrary to national requirements.
Where deficits were found, service providers were instructed to submit compliance plans outlining how they intend to address these issues and align with the national standards.