Background:

Ireland’s accommodation system for applicants for international protection has traditionally operated on a demand-driven basis and has often been close to capacity. During sharp increases in applications, notably in the 1990s and 2022–2024, temporary measures were introduced to provide accommodation quickly, including exemptions from normal planning rules.

Ireland is now expanding State-owned accommodation under its Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy and is exploring how centres can be developed through the usual urban planning rules. It is seeking examples from other countries on how such centres are established within their planning frameworks.

Respondents:

22 EMN Member and Observer Countries (including BE)  provided a public answer to this ad hoc query.

Findings:

A preliminary analysis of the results of the ad hoc query shows that:

• In the vast majority of respondent countries, international protection accommodation centres fall under general spatial planning regulations (without specific provisions), and do not provide exceptions during periods of significant increases in applications for international protection. In DE, accommodation centres are also covered by general planning regulations, but local authorities have several flexible options: they can designate or adapt areas through local development plans, use Article 34(4) of the Federal Building Code to integrate accommodation without a new formal plan, and make use of explicit provisions in the Building Code (since 2014–2015) allowing the establishment of emergency shelters in response to high demand.
   
• In most respondent countries, no exceptions to standard zoning rules apply to accommodation centres for applicants for international protection. However, a limited number of countries provide specific derogations. FR and DE have introduced explicit provisions in their urban planning legislation allowing exemptions from development plans or permitting accommodation in areas where such use would normally not be authorised, in some cases on a temporary basis. In AT, while no general exception applies in case of increased applications, certain provinces (e.g. Tyrol) provide specific regulatory flexibility. In BE, where planning competence lies with the regions, each region has adopted its own rules allowing temporary exemptions from permit requirements under defined conditions. In CY, exceptions may be granted by decision of the Council of Ministers where necessary.
   
• In most respondent countries, no exceptions apply to environmental impact assessment requirements for accommodation centres. Exceptions are reported only in DE and in certain AT provinces, where specific temporary or regional provisions allow environmental considerations to be limited under defined conditions.
   
• Most respondent countries do not have formal, legally binding building standards specifically governing the establishment of accommodation centres. However, some countries, such as FR and HU, have adopted formal regulatory standards setting out minimum requirements, including room sizes and infrastructure conditions. Other countries rely on operational or internal standards (e.g. BE and SE), include detailed technical requirements in public procurement specifications (e.g. PL), or apply EUAA guidance and standards (e.g. BG).

For further details, please read the compilation of answers attached above.