Dublin Airport immigration detention centre to be completed by July 2018
A dedicated immigration detention centre will be built at Dublin Airport by July 2018 for those awaiting deportation, The Irish Times reports.
The Department of Justice confirmed that work would begin this September so that people awaiting deportation are no longer held in Irish prisons alongside criminals.
A spokesperson for the Department said: “This involves the refurbishment and fit-out of an existing facility to provide a Garda station, office accommodation and detention facilities.
“The estimated duration of the work is 10 months.”
The detention facility was originally scheduled to be completed by July 2017 and the Department has not explained the delay.
At least 163 people have been held in Irish prisons this year in relation to immigration issues, most of whom were awaiting deportation.
Fiona Ní Chinnéide, acting executive director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT), said it was “wholly unacceptable” that immigration detainee are held alongside criminals.