Taoiseach To Hold Talks Today Over 'Severe Shortage’ Of Accommodation For Ukrainian Refugees

Thursday, 14 July 2022 10:07

By Caoimhe Harney

The Citywest conference centre is accommodating more than 1,000 people who have fled the war in Ukraine.

The Taoiseach and Government ministers will meet today to discuss what has been described as a ‘severe shortage’ of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.

To date, about 40,000 people have sought refuge in Ireland from Ukraine since the Russian invasion earlier this year.

It comes as the Citywest facility for new arrivals is close to full capacity, with the possibility of incoming arrivals remaining at Dublin Airport if alternatives aren't found.

According to some sources as many as 150 refugees are arriving in Dublin every day most of which are women and children.

It understood that refugees coming into the country will be placed in Gormanston institutional buildings and modular homes.

The Taoiseach is meeting with relevant Ministers to discuss the situation and review the current policies and processes.

The Department of Children told a briefing of Irish NGOs supporting Ukrainians yesterday that it has had to pause the intake of new arrivals into existing State accommodation because it had run out of available beds and space at Citywest.

The Citywest conference centre is accommodating more than 1,000 people who have fled the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Irish Red Cross is still accepting pledges for homeowners who want to offer a room or property to refugees.

Red Cross Secretary General Liam O'Dwyer said about 2,500 refugees have taken up a room under this scheme.

The charity is working through over 10,000 pledges and have been in contact with everyone who volunteered so far.