Pat Doyle: Bring in emergency powers to house Ukrainian refugees

The war in Ukraine and the resulting flood of refugees into Ireland demands drastic action to free up long-term vacant and derelict properties for social housing needs, says Pat Doyle

The properties that are at the core of the solution to the refugee crisis, and indeed the housing and homeless crisis, already exist. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The Government, together with State agencies, NGOs, and the public have responded in a hugely positive way to the needs of people impacted by the horrific war in Ukraine. The initial outpouring of support has quickly transitioned into an enormous logistical effort to provide the best response possible to the needs of tens of thousands of people arriving into Ireland from Ukraine.

To date, Peter McVerry Trust has supported around 2,000 people from Ukraine and is working closely with the Department of Children and IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) as well as the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, and local authorities to play our part in the emergency response.