Department to evict 123 Ukrainian refugees from Millstreet at end of August

The refugees were told that a letter will be sent outlining the locations of their new accommodation but they do not know when this letter will arrive or if they will be relocated within Cork

Some of the 120 Ukrainian war refugees and pets who are housed at the Green Glens Arena at Millstreet, Co Cork. They are facing an uncertain future with the announcement that they are to be relocated from August 29, 2025. Picture: Larry Cummins

Cork's Green Glens Arena has insisted it will do “anything possible” to stop Ukrainian residents being evicted from their homes there in a matter of weeks.

In a letter to residents, Thomas Duggan from the venue addressed the recent eviction notice from the Department of Justice, telling the Ukrainians they will be moved to alternative accommodation on August 29. 

They were told that a letter will be sent outlining the locations of their new accommodation but they do not know when this letter will arrive or if they will be relocated within Cork. 

The centre is currently home to 123 residents, nine of whom are attending primary school. Another 14 children are attending local secondary schools. This is in addition to 25 elderly people and five residents with disabilities.

In his letter, Mr Duggan told the residents: “I would like to clarify a few things so that everybody knows the background to this. 

"We did not make the decision that the Green Glens Arena will cease as an accommodation centre for you. We would be happy for it to continue. This decision was made at Department level without any discussion or consultation with us. 

"It came as a complete surprise to us all. It was, and still is, a big shock for the whole team here. We have been very happy to have our Ukrainian friends reside here in Green Glens with us over the past three years or so.” 

He also said the venue "would very much like if this was to continue and will do anything possible to allow that to happen". 

"We are very fond of you all and will be very sad to see a parting of ways. There is no plan for the reallocation of your accommodation to other persons seeking shelter. We remain ready, willing and able to assist in day-to-day matters.” 

Fiona Corcoran of The Greater Chernobyl Cause with some of the 123 Ukrainian war refugees. She said: 'These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives.' Picture: Larry Cummins

The letter from the Department of Justice stated that “the contract with this accommodation provider is coming to an end". 

"Should you still require state-contracted accommodation you will be moved to new accommodation by August 29, 2025.” 

The Department of Justice was asked for comment.

Residents left reeling 

Residents of the facility said they have been left reeling by the news. 

Fiona Corcoran from the Greater Chernobyl Cause, a Cork charity supporting displaced Ukrainians, described the news as deeply distressing.

“It is unacceptable that Ukrainian residents are being removed from their temporary homes with little notice, vague information about their relocation, and the devastating restriction that they cannot take their beloved pets with them,” she said. 

Adrianna Kholostenko and her son Serafym who is going into sixth class at the loacl national school in September. 'Children have arrived and begun their education in Irish schools, with some now transitioning into secondary school. For these children and their families, who have already faced unimaginable trauma, being uprooted again is an additional and unnecessary burden.' Picture: Larry Cummins

“I have seen first-hand the deep gratitude these individuals have for Ireland and specifically for the community of Millstreet, which welcomed them with open arms. These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives. 

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

She said the impact of such a decision on lives will be detrimental.

“Children have arrived and begun their education in Irish schools, with some now transitioning into secondary school. For these children and their families, who have already faced unimaginable trauma, being uprooted again is an additional and unnecessary burden.”

A total of eight families at the centre are believed to have pets including dogs, cats and one guinea pig. Issued by the Department of Justice, the letter states: “We can no longer provide accommodation for pets. If you own a pet you will have to make alternative arrangements for it.” 

Ludmila Koren is one of those facing eviction from the Co Cork temporary accommodation facility, and she said she "would rather sleep on the streets with my dog than live in a house without him".

The dog, Tosha, was known for saving lives in Ukraine as his acute hearing offered warnings to Ludmila’s family after the air raid sirens in her locality were damaged.

Ludmila has vowed to fight the decision to the bitter end. Speaking about her dog’s bravery, she said: “They couldn’t warn us about the rockets or missiles. The first time it happened Tosha started nudging us with his head in the direction of the basement. 

"He heard the missiles when they were further away because a dog’s hearing is better. There were 10 people in the house including friends and family. 

Ludmila Koren with her dog Tosha whose acute hearing offered warnings to her family after the air raid sirens in her locality were damaged. Picture: Larry Cummins

"The first time Tosha did this we didn’t know what was wrong with him. Then we realised he was acting this way because of the missiles. We gathered in the basements, hiding without water or electricity, simply because it was the only option.” 

Ludmila, who hails from Chernigov, added that escaping unrest in Ukraine back in April 2022 was an extremely harrowing experience for Tosha.

“A bus journey that should have taken two hours took eight. We had to stop so many times because of the explosions. You could see all the animal owners clinging dearly to their pets. Tosha was so close to my chest. 

"We travelled to the Polish border and took a boat from France. He was so stressed from the experience that his fur starting falling out. 

Some of the 123 Ukrainian war refugees who are to be moved in August and have been told they cannot bring their pets with them. Picture: Larry Cummins

"On the boat from France he was shaking from head to toe. A vet on board was able to give him a pill because it was the only thing that calmed him down.” 

Ludmila, who has an adult son named Alex, said she refuses to be separated from her pet.

“He came to me two months before the war and I really feel this was meant to be. I first heard about him online because nobody else at the shelter wanted him. 

Natalia Husieva and her niece Yana with their pet guinea pig. Picture: Larry Cummins

"I knitted him clothes before he came to me even though I didn’t know his size. They fit him perfectly. When he arrived in my house for the first time he went straight to his water bowl. It was like he had been with me forever. 

"I fell in love with him the first day I saw. He is like another child to me and I refuse to be without him. We are looking for alternative accommodation but I would rather sleep on the streets with my dog than live in a house without him.”