Ukrainian Refugees To Stay At Toughers Restaurant Site Until January As Safety Inspections Progress

Wednesday, 18 December 2024 10:33

By Martin Osborne

Cllr Vera Louise Behan said it buys some time but ideally families should be given at least six months to prepare for alternative accommodation.

Over 150 Ukrainian refugees staying in Sheperd's Huts and mobile homes at Toughers Restaurant outside Castledermot will be allowed to remain on site until at least the end of January.

The Department of Integration said that following an inspection by the Local Authority fire officer, the contract can be extended once the provider fulfils all required safety conditions in the mobile home residences.

"Those fleeing the war in Ukraine that are free to make their own private arrangements for accommodation in the area, either through the pledge or Offer a Home scheme, or by renting privately. Information regarding these options has been given to the people in Toughers accommodation," a spokesperson for the Department said.

They added: "The Department’s Relocations team will be in contact in January to provide details of the moving date and new state contracted accommodation that will be provided to those who still need it at the end of January."

Yesterday, Kfm highlighted how children settled in schools in Levitstown will be uprooted, with one local Cllr describing the situation as "inhumane".

You can read that story here.

Speaking on Kildare Today this morning, Cllr Vera Louise Behan said it buys some time but ideally families should be given at least six months to prepare for alternative accommodation.

"They were literally given a week's notice; that's not enough time for a family to prepare. It's inconceivable, especially in the run up to Christmas."