Council takes in over 250 Ukrainian refugees

Expressions of interest sought for temporary accommodation

Tipperary Co Council has so far accommodated over 250 Ukrainian refugees at its rest centre in Littleton.

The council's Housing section has been tasked with assisting the humanitarian effort by setting up temporary rest facilities at community halls. These are appropriate for three to four days of occupation, after which the refugees are moved to more appropriate own-room accommodation.

Housing staff have assisted in the identification and fit-out of these centres, as well as attending onsite to assist with the registration of arrivals.

There is currently a rest centre in operation in Littleton, which is being managed by Thurles Lions Trust. The Pat O’Callaghan sports facility in Clonmel has been identified as a second rest centre, managed by the Clonmel Rotary Club.

Semi-permanent accommodation facilities are to be used for the next three to 12 months and will be own-room facilities, possibly with shared kitchen and living facilities. The council is in the process of identifying vacant units that can accommodate 10-plus persons and/or family homes that are currently vacant. The local authority is scoping out the works required to reach a minimal standard, cost these and liaise with the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) for sign-off before progressing.

Expressions of interest are sought from B&Bs, hotels, holiday home owners and others for temporary accommodation. The issue of permanent accommodation is being addressed at central government level.

Briefing this week's meeting of Tipperary Co Council on the situation, Director of Services Sinead Carr said another 50 Ukrainian refugees had arrived in Littleton last Thursday, bringing the total number to over 250. These are very much emergency as opposed to long-term accommodation cases, said Ms Carr, who also assured councillors that the council's housing stock is “ring-fenced” for its own existing clients.

ACCOMMODATION BEING ASSESSED

Ms Carr said the local authority is now assessing pledged accommodation for refugees to the Red Cross. Any management of such accommodation taken on by the council would have to ensure the safety and security of all concerned, she said. The number involved is expected to be small, as people realise that the refugees are likely to be here for several months rather than a few weeks.

Among other options, Ms Carr said the council is looking at bringing disused accommodation back into use, as well as identifying sites for long-term builds; these would benefit the council as long-term accommodation.

The director thanked the council's Housing, and Community and Enterprise staff for their work on the refugee crisis, and also Thurles Lions Trust and the Clonmel Rotary Club for their assistance.