Over 120 IPAS residents evicted from accommodation centres for breaches of rules
Darragh Mc Donagh
A total of 124 IPAS residents had their accommodation withdrawn due to serious or repeated breaches of house rules during the past two-and-a-half years, new figures have revealed.
The individuals were evicted from state-funded accommodation amid a steep rise in the number of incidents recorded at IPAS centres in the past four years, increasing from 766 in 2022 to 5,725 last year.
Some 62 of the incidents that were reported in 2025 were categorised as “critical”, which includes incidents involving mental health issues, self-harm, or the unexpected death of a resident.
A total of 4,127 warning letters were issued to individuals as a result of the incidents, and 544 residents were transferred to alternative locations.
Accommodation was withdrawn from 49 people.
In 2024, 4,168 incidents were reported, 55 of which were classed as “critical”. A total of 3,170 warning letters were issued, and 521 residents were transferred.
Accommodation was withdrawn from 61 individuals.
Another 2,568 incidents have been reported to date this year, 27 of which were critical incidents. Some 1,909 warning letters have been issued, while 239 people have been transferred, and 14 were evicted.
The data was published by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan in response to a parliamentary question from Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín.
The number of incidents specifically relating to assaults and substance abuse could not be provided.
O’Callaghan noted that the statistics should be viewed in the context of a significant increase in the number of people living in IPAS accommodation over the past five years, rising from just over 7,000 in 2021 to around 33,000 at present.
“Centre management in all IPAS centres have an ongoing working relationship with the local gardaí. If there is ever any concern in relation to acts of violence or other criminal activity in any IPAS setting, An Garda Síochána are contacted,” he said.
He explained that accommodation can be withdrawn in the event of serious or repeated breaches of house rules at IPAS centres.
Residents are informed of such changes to their reception conditions by letter and have a right to appeal the decision.
The statistics show that a total of 15,336 incidents have been recorded in IPAS centres since the beginning of 2022, 231 of which were categorised as critical.
These resulted in 11,424 warning letters being issued, and 1,591 residents were transferred to other locations.
