Ukrainian Refugees Have Begun Arriving At Floods Cross In Newhall, Just Outside Naas

Tuesday, 14 May 2024 14:42

By Martin Osborne

Kfm understands that over 200 more Ukrainians will be moved from Stradbally to the site in the coming weeks.

Up to 20 Ukrainians have moved into the site at Flood's Cross in Newhall, just outside Naas.

Kfm understands that over 200 more Ukrainians will be moved from Stradbally to the site in the coming weeks.

The maximum capacity in the Newhall centre is for 985 people.

Security personnel are expected to be on-site will be on-site 24/7.

A shuttle bus is enabling transport into Naas to access other necessary services.

According to a source, protestors are planning bigger events across the county to oppose the move.

Kfm recently spoke to individuals protesting at the site.

One woman said if Ukrainian women and children arrive at the site, she would help them carry their bags in.

She said "we are not racist” and that they feel like “the Government is lying to us”.

When told that the Department of Integration has confirmed that over 300 Ukrainian "families" will be provided with temporary accommodation at the site, she said people “don’t believe the Government”.

She said she doesn’t trust the Government and that she believes services in the local community are overstretched.

According to a briefing document issued by Kildare County Council, it is expected that residents will only stay for a number of weeks as they adjust to living in Ireland and prepare to transition to their own independent accommodation.

The document also stated that it is likely families will await securing their own independent accommodation before settling children in schools.

According to the Department of Integration, the provider, Pastures New, can provide and facilitate various educational classes and recreational activities, and will liaise with relevant external bodies where appropriate.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian refugees are to have their welfare allowances cut within three months.

A memo has gone to Cabinet today proposing that everyone under temporary protection will receive the same payment, regardless of when they arrived in Ireland.

Up to now any Ukrainian refugee who came to Ireland before March this year got 232 euro a week and unlimited State accommodation.

This measure will see that brought down €38.80 per week, meaning everyone under temporary protection will be at the same rate.

Taoiseach Simon Harris says this is about evaluating how the welfare and accommodation systems work together.

There is also going to be a report within the next six weeks on entitlements for international protection applicants - with cuts possible.

Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland Co-founder Lucky Khambule says such a move would be cruel.

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