More than €1.1 million has been spent on taxi services for residents of International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres since the start of last year, according to new figures supplied from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
The costs, which cover transport to and from IPAS centres and urgent journeys such as medical appointments, totalled €904,222 in 2024 and €228,107 up to the end of May 2025. These figures exclude any direct payments made by accommodation centres.
Justice Minister Mr Jim O’Callaghan said transport forms part of the State’s legal obligation to provide accommodation and basic supports for international protection applicants. He noted that taxis are used when smaller groups require travel, or when transport is needed urgently or outside regular hours.
“The IPAS system involves residents regularly arriving, leaving, or moving between centres. Transport is required as part of these movements and for specific urgent needs,” the Minister stated.
He added that overall taxi costs have “reduced significantly” since last year.
Separately, the Department has spent over €12 million on wider transport for international protection applicants — including buses and taxis — since February 2022, following the activation of the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
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