GORMANSTOWN Army Camp is being prepared as an emergency base for Ukrainian refugees as space runs out at all other accommodation facilities, Independent.ie understands.
The government had indicated that the camp, where armed forces personnel have set up large tents, would only be used as a last resort.
However, it seems that Ireland now no longer has a hotel and other facilities for people fleeing the war.
Sources confirmed that Gormanstown “comes into play” in Co Meath.
The government warned Wednesday night of a “serious shortage” of state housing for arriving Ukrainian refugees.
Amid increasing overcrowding in the transit center of Dublin’s Citywest hotel complex, newcomers who have not yet arranged alternative accommodation are being asked to stay overnight at Dublin Airport until Thursday.
Ireland has hosted more than 40,000 refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine – the majority of them women and children – including nearly 1,500 last week.
Asylum seekers from other countries also continue to seek refuge in Ireland through the International Protection Service.
In a briefing for non-governmental organizations supporting Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, the Ministry of Children admitted that the country had run out of beds for new arrivals.
It is now likely that the government will send refugees to the large tent village built on military land at Gormanstown Camp in Co Meath, which has a capacity for several hundred people.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will hold talks with other ministers on Thursday to discuss the situation as the government tries to implement alternative housing measures.
“Ensuring the safety, health and safety of people fleeing Ukraine has been and remains a top government priority since the Russian attack began in February,” a government statement said.
“Most of the people who arrive in Ireland are women and children.
“This effort will involve all relevant government departments and offices, local authorities, the armed forces and government agencies such as Tusla (Child and Family Agency) and the HSE (Health Service Executive).
“In recent weeks, the number of people seeking access to the International Protection Service (IPS) has increased very significantly, causing a serious shortage of available accommodation for both people coming from Ukraine and applicants for international protection.
“This is also causing overcrowding in the Citywest Transit Hub.
“Incoming arrivals arriving at night will remain at Dublin Airport if they have no alternative accommodation.
“The government is working intensively to make alternative arrangements with immediate effect.
“The Taoiseach will meet with relevant ministers tomorrow to discuss the situation and review current policies and processes.”
Irish Red Cross secretary general Liam O’Dwyer described the situation as “very serious”.
“The numbers are very tight. Our people on the ground estimate that about 150 people enter the country every day,” he said, adding that no one could have foreseen the increase in refugees resulting from the war in Ukraine.