Hundreds of student beds lost in Cork City as accommodation reserved for Ukrainian refugees

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris "is of the firm view all student accommodation is required" for students.

The Cork Student Village on Carrigrohane Rd, near Victoria Cross, Cork which is to be used to house Ukranian refugees. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Two Government departments have clashed over the housing of Ukrainian refugees as it emerges a student village in Cork City is to be closed to students for the upcoming academic term. 

The privately owned Cork Student Village has been contracted by the Department of Integration to provide accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) for a 12-month period.