Government criticised over relocation of 144 Ukrainian refugees from Cork
In a letter issued by the Department of Integration, the Ukrainians were told: “There has been a decrease in the number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine seeking accommodation in Ireland.
The government has been criticised after telling 144 Ukrainian refugees in Cork that they are being relocated at the end of August with many still not knowing where they are being sent.
In a letter issued by the Department of Integration, the Ukrainians were told: “There has been a decrease in the number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine seeking accommodation in Ireland.
“As a result of this decrease, the Department has begun consolidating its accommodation portfolio."
It continued that the government “now wishes to notify you that we must relocate you to new accommodation”.
Most of the Ukrainians have been given until between August 25-31 to relocate but many do not know exactly where they are going yet.
Ukrainians refugees across Co. Kerry have also received similar letters including those living in Ballinskelligs, Milltown, Derrynane, and Cahirsiveen.
Kathryn Kingston, development officer with West Cork Development Partnership said it is “deeply unfair to uproot people who have made lives for themselves at such short notice".
“There are three units moving, Ardnagashel with 70 Ukrainians, Rosscarberry Convent and Scartagh House have 37 each," she said.
“Ardnagashel is absolutely perfect, there are seven courtyard cottages, each have their own house and six houses in the woods. They can cook for themselves, they have their grounds, bikes and trampolines and have been there since November 2022.
“They are due to move, a date of relocation was given for August 25. They are yet to be told where they will move.”
In the letter sent by the Department of Integration, it also states: “We regret to inform you that the Department can no longer provide any accommodation for pets.
“If you own a pet you will have to make appropriate arrangements for it."
Ms Kingston said: “The Ukrainians are packing up boxes, no one wants to leave, they don’t know where they are going to live.
“The schools are waiting to see if they hold the children’s places, the bus inspector has no idea if he will have more or less children, they are all on hold.
“The local doctor has issued them all with up-to-date prescriptions and are ready to transfer them to another doctor, somewhere else in the country. But all of these people are discommoded.
“In the same week we got notification about Convent House in Rosscarbery. That is owned by wedding planners Peter and Éadaoin Kelly. They have been hosting 37 Ukrainians and live in same accommodation, they are distraught, they put so much work into it all.
“The Ukrainians transformed the place. They are all families, and they have redone the convent they have integrated so well into the community."
She said the 37 Ukrainians in Scartagh House in Clonakilty were told to move six weeks ago. Their leaving day is August 31.
“It is really difficult for people. Employers, bus transports, doctors, and schools, this just disrupts the whole community. Friendships have been made and there seems to be no logic in moving them so far away to start all over again.
“We know they all have to relocate but why can’t they look at at places in their community for continuity.” A spokesperson for Holly Cairns Office said she has been "inundated" with letters of upset about the Ukrainians being moved when many have settled in the area and are in local employment.
The Department of Intergration has been contacted.
