New Direct Provision Centres Planned For Wicklow Under New Government Proposals

So far this year, over 3,700 people have applied for asylum in Ireland - the highest in over a decade.

It's put pressure on the government to find enough accommodation for them.

According to the Irish Times, the Department of Justice is looking for providers to operate new direct provision centres - with space for 5,500 people.

They'll be located in eight regions and cost at least 320 million euro.

Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth will be expected to house 1,200 people - followed by 750 in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo.

There'll be accommodation for 620 people in Dublin - and 617 in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

The department is also promising to engage with locals following recent protests against plans for direct provision facilities.