Hundreds of refugees may be housed in Limerick office complex

UP TO 340 refugees could be accommodated at a riverside office complex in the city centre.

As revealed by the Limerick Leader last week, River House at Charlotte’s Quay is being earmarked to provide accommodation to asylum seekers.

Now, it’s emerged that around 340 people could be housed in the five-storey building, which up to 2022, was home to the Revenue Commissioners.

Following the Limerick Leader’s story, government issued a briefing note to public representatives confirming that River House is being looked at.

READ MORE: Riverside office block in Limerick earmarked for refugees

“An experienced and trusted accommodation provider has expressed an interest in the delivery of accommodation services to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the provider is now carrying out works at the site with the view to providing accommodation to people seeking international protection,” the note reads.

In terms of the number of people who could be housed in the complex, the note adds: “It is estimated at this early stage that in the region of 340 people may be housed there, initially on a phased basis.”

“The capacity of the property is subject to change as the works progress and necessary inspections are conducted. All contracted accommodation includes staffing, both management, operation and security staff,” the note adds.

Elsewhere, 251 Ukrainian refugees are staying at the old Salesians secondary school.