State trying to block book hotels for up to a year for Ukrainian refugees

Authorities in Cork scramble to arrange accommodation for 10,000 people fleeing war-torn Ukraine in the coming weeks

Assistance and accommodation are being arranged for people who have fled Ukraine and are newly arrived in Ireland. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

The State is attempting to block-book entire hotels for up to a year as it scrambles to find accommodation for people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

As the war widens and the numbers seeking shelter on arrival here increase, talks are at an advanced stage about the long-term booking of a 100-bedroom hotel in Cork City specifically as an accommodation centre.