The Irish Mirror today shows the grim reality for asylum seekers who have set up camp in tents outside the International Protection Office in Dublin.
Our video team spoke to some of the 60 people living in the 'tent city' that emerged amidst a chronic accommodation shortage.
Behind every statistic there's a real person - and those living on the street tell of cold and rain, and the struggle for food and warmth.
READ MORE: Violent clashes as group shouts 'this is our country' in confrontation with asylum seekers in Dublin
One tells us how sleeping at night is impossible - the harsh and unmerciful Irish weather taking its toll non-stop.
Simple things like going to the toilet or having a shower are a struggle. They tell us: "Every day, it's wet. Rain, it's really bad."
And they tell us that the situation as it stands is "no good for anyone" ... "We need to start a life. We don't need to live like this."
A spokesperson for the International Protection Office told The Irish Mirror: "As of close of business 12 May there were 477 International Protection applicants that the Department has been temporarily unable to offer accommodation to.
"Since 24 January, a total of 628 people who were previously unaccommodated have subsequently been offered accommodation.
"Access to suitable accommodation is severely constrained at present, particularly for International Protection applicants.
"The Department is availing of all offers of accommodation made to it, including the use of repurposed buildings and tented accommodation, to address the accommodation shortfall.
"Since the beginning of 2023, more than 5,300 bed spaces have been brought into use for International Protection applicants, alongside more than 5,000 beds for those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
"The Department is working to secure further accommodation and hopes to deliver significant capacity in the coming weeks to alleviate the shortages being experienced presently."
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