Ukrainian Refugees Advised Not to Travel to Ireland Over the Christmas Period
The news was shared after a meeting with the Ukrainian Envoy to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, the integration minister, Roderic O’Gorman, and other officials from the Department took place, during which was decided that Ukrainians should avoid visiting Ireland, as it will be difficult to accommodate them in the week before and after Christmas, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.
The Ambassador expressed her understanding towards the accommodation situation in the country, highlighting that the Government is dealing with major challenges. However, the ambassador noted that she was satisfied with the Irish Government’s response to the refugees arriving from Ukraine, as thousands of Ukrainians have already been sheltered.
“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. Almost 50 per cent of critical infrastructure was destroyed by Russians and many Ukrainians, millions, live now without electricity, and water supplies,” she said.
On the other hand, Minister O’Gorman reinstated that his government has been “upfront” with authorities in Ukraine about the limited accommodation situation in this country, saying Ireland isn’t always in a position to provide people with accommodation immediately after they arrive.
An additional 500 facilities have been promised by the public to help accommodate refugees following renewed vacant homes decision by the Government.
The Irish Examiner previously reported that Ukrainian refugees in Ireland have already exceeded 70,000 people before the end of the year, as an additional 11,500 arrived in the last week of November alone.
In addition, the State has spent €617 million in providing accommodation for Ukrainian refugees as well as those seeking international protection. Moreover, Ireland is expected to spend more than €1 billion in 2023 due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
It is estimated that nearly 58,511 Ukrainians are seeking accommodation in the country, with this number already being surpassed. Furthermore, it is estimated that 34,000 Ukrainians are currently living in tourist accommodations throughout Ireland, including guesthouses and hotels.
There were 7,248 international protection applicants accommodated in IPAS centres, while 6,416 were accommodated in different hotels.
Counties that have accommodated the largest numbers of Ukrainians include Cork, Donegal, Clare, Dublin, Kerry and Galway, with each accommodating between 3,000 and 5,000 newcomers.
