“SIGNIFICANT RISKS” TO residents’ health and safety were found in a state-owned International Protection Accommodation Service (Ipas) in Co Clare.

An announced inspection by the state health and safety watchdog Hiqa to Knockalisheen centre found sinking floors, mould, water damage, fire safety hazards and overcrowding.

Knockalisheen centre has been in operation for 20 years and is currently under the management of the American company Aramark. 249 people were living in the centre at the time of inspection, including 29 children. 

Hiqa said this was the fourth inspection of the service due to “ongoing and significant levels” of non-compliance with the national standards.

The latest inspection found the service provider had made some improvements to the centre. Inspectors said residents were well supported by the staff team, were treated in a respectful manner and their views and experiences were listened to and considered.

However the centre is still non-compliant with eight national standards. In particular the structure of the accommodation blocks had deteriorated since previous inspections.

The inspectors found that water had damaged walls in the accommodation blocks, where there was also evidence of mould and of possible subsidence or sinking floors.

Rust and corrosion was found at the bottom of the building and several fire doors and fire exits did not close and were ineffective.

Although a refurbishment programme is underway the inspectors noted that there were no significant changes to the accommodation provided to residents since the previous inspection.

Tented accommodation

The accommodation is spread across six accommodation blocks and 13 military style tents where up to eight people live.

The report found that residents in both types of accommodation continued to experience cramped, overcrowded and poor living conditions.

It said some single residents, children and families lived in cluttered, cramped and unhygienic rooms. 

Tented Ipas accommodation has previously been criticised by activists, particularly during the colder months.

The inspectors said the residents in tents at Knockalisheen are currently living in an “undignified space” where their right to privacy and dignity was not promoted.

Some of these residents told the inspectors that their physical and mental health had declined, in particular those who had lived in the tented units on a long-term basis. 

Since the inspection Aramark has engaged the services of a construction company to assess the identified issues relating to the accommodation blocks.