Ukrainians urged not to come to Ireland over Christmas due to accommodation capacity issues

The Ambassador said she is satisfied with the Government’s response to providing shelter to the thousands of Ukrainians that have arrived here already.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland Gerasko Larysa said she was informed by the Minister to spread awareness to Ukrainians that it will be difficult to be accommodated in Ireland in the week before and after Christmas. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Ukrainians will be urged to avoid coming to Ireland for a three-week period due to accommodation capacity constraints.

Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman and officials from his Department held a meeting with the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko on Wednesday.

She said she was informed by the Minister to spread awareness to Ukrainians that it will be difficult to find accommodation in Ireland between now and into the New Year.

A spokesman for Minister O’Gorman said the warning over the shortage of accommodation to Ukrainians would remain in place until around January 13, 2023.

The spokesman said once there is a shortage of accommodation, it places pressure on the Citywest transit hub which may become full.

The availability of staff over the Christmas period will also add to pressure on sourcing accommodation.

The Ambassador will share this news via the embassy’s social media platforms to warn Ukrainians thinking of coming to Ireland that they may not be accommodated.

There was a recommendation given to postpone arrivals to the Citywest hub until after Christmas, she said.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, she said she understands the problems with accommodation and the Government is facing major challenges.

She said she is satisfied with the Government’s response to providing shelter to the thousands of Ukrainians that have arrived here already.

“I know that the Government is facing challenges with accommodation and I’m fully aware that Ukrainians are coming to Ireland because of the cold winter and the destruction of critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman and officials from his Department held a meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland Gerasko Larysa this morning. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

“Almost 50% of critical infrastructure was destroyed by Russians and many Ukrainians, millions, live now without electricity, water supplies.” 

Speaking in recent days, Mr O’Gorman said that the Government has been "upfront" with authorities in Ukraine in terms of how “tight” the accommodation situation is in this country, "[that] we are not always in a position to provide people with accommodation on the day they arrive".

An additional 500 properties have been pledged by the public to help accommodate refugees following a renewed vacant homes call by the Government.