THE LATEST INSPECTION reports of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres revealed that a centre in Co Kerry had just three washing machines between 89 people.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) today published seven inspection reports on permanent IPAS centres.
During an unannounced inspection of the Atlas House in Killarney, Co Kerry, it was found that there were just three working washing machines and dryers in the communal laundry room between the 89 residents.
The HIQA inspectors said this was “not enough to meet the needs” of residents and that there was “no plan in place to address these deficits”.
Meanwhile, families were not provided with a separate living space, in addition to a bedroom, and this meant accommodation provided to families was “crowded and cluttered” and “did not afford adequate privacy for family members”.
Residents were also unable to cook their own food and while they told inspectors that the food provided was “good”, residents said it was their preference to be able to cook their own meals.
While the facilities were deemed “insufficient” to meet the “wider personal needs” of residents, they told the inspector that they were “happy living in this centre, in part due to its location, staff support and local services”.
Elsewhere, an unannounced inspection of Bridgewater House in Co Tipperary found that while cleaning and maintenance work was carried out, some areas of the building were in need of attention.
For example, inspectors observed cobwebs and chipped paint in communal spaces and hallways.
There were also some kitchen cabinet doors which were loose and worn.
Maintenance issues were also observed in some bedrooms, including a leak from a shower, mould in one bathroom and chipped paintwork.
Residents here said they were satisfied with the support they received from the staff team
HIQA inspectors also made an unannounced visit to Dublin Central Inn.
Inspectors said the service provided a “generally positive living environment for residents” and that improvements had been made since the previous inspection.
However, some automatic fire doors did not close properly when tested and others were wedged open – HIQA asked for a full review of all fire containment measures following the inspection.
There were 119 residents at the centre during the inspection and washing machines also posed an issue here.
The laundry room has four washing machines and dryers, two of which are commercial models.
One washing machine was not working at the time of inspection and while some residents were happy with the facilities, others said they occasionally had to queue to use the machines.
While the centre manager said the commercial machines had been purchased for “high-usage environments”, the inspector said further consultation with residents was needed to ensure the facilities met their needs.
Meanwhile, there were 271 residents at Millstreet Accommodation Centre in Co Cork when it was subject to an unannounced inspection.
The inspector found that residents were “supported to experience a good quality of life while living in the centre”.
However, inspectors also found there were “unsatisfactory sleeping arrangements for some residents”, which impacted on their privacy and dignity.
In some rooms, siblings of opposite genders who were aged 10 and over were sharing the same bedroom, contrary to national requirements, and parents were required to share a bedroom with their children.
Inspectors were also “concerned” that twice yearly fire drills were not adequate for a centre of this size.
Elsewhere, Great Western House in Co Galway was also subject to an unannounced inspection and 141 residents were present.
Inspectors found that residents were “supported to live independently and integrate into the local community”.
Kitchens were also available 24/7 to residents, who were provided with vouchers for a local supermarket.
HIQA also published the findings of an unannounced visit of Milligan Court in Co Sligo, and inspectors found residents were “supported to live independently and integrate into the local community”.
Meanwhile, HIQA also published findings of its unannounced inspection of Cúirt Uisce Accommodation Centre in Co Galway.
Inspectors found they “enjoyed a good quality of life” at the centre, with laundry facilities were provided within each apartment and each apartment had a kitchen and living space.