The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published the findings of a short-notice inspection of a International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre in Kerry.
The inspection of Atlas House in Killarney took place over two days in July (01/07/2025 - 02/07/2025).
At the time, 72 residents were living in the centre, below its registered maximum capacity of 90.
Atlas House IPAS Centre in Killarney accommodates families and single women.
Inspectors found residents were generally satisfied, but that the accommodation did not always meet their needs with dignity.
They determined that the absence of a reception officer and weaknesses in governance and management posed risks to residents’ health, safety, and welfare.
Families shared small, cluttered rooms, and in some cases, teenage children shared with a parent and a younger sibling of the opposite gender.
Single women also lived in cramped rooms.
There was limited communal space and no Wi-Fi in bedrooms making study difficult.
Mattresses were in poor condition, and one pregnant resident chose to sleep on a blanket on the floor instead.
Meals were provided in a dining hall, but there were no proper facilities for residents to prepare their own food.
Overall, Atlas House was not compliant with five standards, partially compliant with eight, substantially compliant with ten, and fully compliant with three.
The provider, Onsite Facilities Management Ltd, has since committed to corrective actions, including appointing a reception officer, updating the risk register, and replacing bunk beds and mattresses.
