There has been a significant fall in the number of people arriving in Ireland seeking international protection this month.

New Department of Integration figures show that 650 asylum seekers have arrived so far this month.

That is two-and-a-half times fewer than the same month last year, when 1,625 people arrived here seeking protection.

According to the figures, 37% of this month’s arrivals were single males.

Some 15% were single females.

Families made up of couples with children and lone parents accounted for 52% of the new arrivals in March.

People outside the International Protection Office in Dublin, 27-01-2023. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

In all, over 2,500 people have come to Ireland seeking protection so far this year.

In January there were 1,168 arrivals, while in March there were 759.

It comes as Government officials work to find accommodation for over 1,200 asylum seekers who will have to leave their hotels by mid-April.

The Department of Integration has admitted the State is facing significant shortages in the coming weeks with 1,228 beds being lost to hotels that have decided not to renew their contracts.

It said it is struggling to rehouse those who are losing their hotel accommodation while also finding new beds for new arrivals.

Meanwhile, around 85 Ukrainians and 29 International Protection applicants are arriving in Ireland every day.