‘Value for money’ cited as reason to evict Ukrainians from accommodation

Fiona Corcoran of The Greater Chernobyl Cause with some of the 120 Ukrainian war refugees and their pets at the Green Glens Arena at Millstreet, Co Cork. They were informed they are to be relocated at the end of August. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Department of Justice has cited “value for money” among its motivations to evict 123 Ukrainians from a temporary accommodation centre in Millstreet, Co Cork.

Residents of the Green Glens Arena were devastated to learn that they will have to leave their homes by August 29.

The news was outlined in a letter sent to the residents by the Department of Justice.

Their decision sparked a campaign by Fiona Corcoran, from Cork charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause, to halt the eviction.

Residents were told by the Department of Justice that a letter will be sent with locations of their new accommodation, but they are unsure of when this will arrive or if they will be relocated in Cork.

The Department of Justice issued a statement shedding light on its decision:

“As part of the response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis of the war in Ukraine, the Department of Integration, at the time, contracted for a variety of different commercial properties,” a representative for the department said.

“All accommodation contracted by the department is temporary in nature, and Ukrainian citizens are advised of this when requesting emergency accommodation.”

Decrease in demand for accommodation for Ukrainian citizens

“As the demand for accommodation for Ukrainian citizens decreases, and they make their own independent arrangements for accommodation, the department is carrying vacancies in commercial contracts.

“As a result, the department ends contracts on a regular basis in order to ensure value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio.

“This means that a number of Ukrainian citizens who are in State-supported accommodation are being moved to other accommodation.”

The department representative added that they need to make the “best possible use of state funds”.

“Any Ukrainian citizen resident in a property affected will be offered alternative emergency accommodation at a different site if they still require it.

“We need to provide the best we can for all those who come to Ireland fleeing war or oppression in Ukraine and other countries, while balancing this with the requirement to make best possible use of State funds.”

The department reiterated its intentions, adding “the Ukrainian residents at Green Glens Arena, Co Cork”, will be relocated by August 29.

The department has sent updates, through the accommodation providers, to the residents who will be affected, to let them know that the contract is ending with that provider.

Fiona Corcoran, from the Greater Chernobyl Cause, said the charity is committed to preventing this.

“These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives,” Ms Corcoran said.

“Many of them are seeking housing in the local area, but this is made increasingly difficult by the severe shortage of rental accommodations.”