Almost 1,000 Ukrainians to be moved to 'winter-ready' cabins in Laois

Gormanston military camp in Co Meath, used to house Ukrainian refugees in military tents as an emergency measure. Picture: Department of the Taoiseach /PA Wire

Up to 950 Ukrainians are to be moved into “winter-ready” marquee-style cabins at a site in Laois as the Government prepares for a tightening of accommodation ahead of the cold weather.

Politicians in the local area have been informed today that the Department of Integration has signed a new contract for the use of the site at Stradbally Estate, with the accommodation to be available on a phased basis from November 6 and for a 32-week period.

Sources have said the accommodation will consist of own-door, en-suite, heated and insulated cabins, enclosed within large marquee-type structures that are also heated, containing all ancillary facilities. The overall site will be surrounded by secure fencing.

The cabins will be located in an area separate from the current tented accommodation, which will be removed once the cabins are ready.

Local TDs for the Laois-Offaly area have been told the pressure to accommodate over 97,510 people in such a short period of time has led to significant shortages and in light of the acute and growing pressures, and that Government has stepped up action to maximise the pace and scale of delivery on its accommodation strategy.

It’s understood the majority of people who will be sheltered in the cabins will be Ukrainians and mainly women and children.

The term of the contract for the site is for a 32-week period and residents will stay at the accommodation for a number of weeks, with support services provided at the site to assist them in adjusting to life in Ireland and to aid better integration and independence.

The detailed information supplied to politicians states: “The secure site will be configured to hold a series of enclosed marquee-type structures, containing arrays of own-door cabin-type accommodation, with various configurations to accommodate families, couples, single persons etc.

"All cabins will be enclosed in a marquee type solid-sided structure complete with cassette floor system and rigid wall panelling throughout, complete with doors, glass panels and ramps.” 

It’s also understood the Department will continue to use tents currently on site for around two weeks leading up to the delivery of the cabins.

“No tented accommodation will be utilised on the site once the winter-ready accommodation is available,” the document reads.

The Irish Examiner also understands that the accommodation provided will include hot catered meal service provision, on-site access to an advanced paramedic and first aid service, shower and toilet facilities in each own-door cabin, self-service laundry facilities, sanitation and refuse services, indoor dining facilities, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, utilities (hot water, heating) and tracked walkway all around site to ensure safe passage between accommodation and other amenities.

The facility will be staffed with a team to include the facilities manager, community manager, facilities management, welfare staff, food service staff, cleaners and a 24-hour presence for on-site security and medical staff.

The site is surrounded on all sides by secure fencing, and will have one entrance and exit point, managed at all times by security. Each resident will be issued with a lanyard displaying photo ID, which they will be required to show on entry and exit.

The use of tented accommodation at the site has been in place for almost six weeks and “has proven very successful,” the document reads.

“It is within this context that the Stradbally Estate site has been identified as one of a number of sites where contingency accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine will be provided over the next few months.”