More than 5,000 refugees to be housed in 89 buildings handed over by local authorities

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said the 89 properties would require 'some work, but not extensive work' and were spread across the 26 counties, while the other buildings have to be assessed.

Nearly 90 buildings which could temporarily house more than 5,000 Ukrainian refugees have been handed over to the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), as hoteland B&B accommodation available to the Government has become "extremely stretched".

The Department of Housing had asked local authorities to identify buildings such as community centres, disused religious settings, or other large buildings which could be used to temporarily house Ukrainians.