CLARE could be welcoming up to 1,000 Ukrainian people to live in the county, as violence continues to devastate Eastern Europe.
An online portal has been opened by the Government in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross where the public can offer to house the people of Ukraine fleeing their war-torn country for six months to a year. Already 2,200 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since the Russian invasion two weeks ago.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne (FF) has said up to 80,000 Ukrainian refugees could flee to Ireland. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have contacted Clare County Council querying the accommodation needs that can be met in the county.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) condemned the invasion “which is a gross violation of international law and human rights”. He said that Clare County Council stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine with Áras Contae an Chláir “lit up nightly in the Ukrainian colours, and the Ukrainian and Clare flags are being flown outside the building”. He called for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops.
Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling described events as “the worst refugee crisis since World War Two”. He confirmed that the local authority has been asked “to use discretion and provide accommodation” with the matter referred to International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). It is likely that a planning implication as visible during the pandemic where building and facilities were repurposed for use as field hospitals and vaccination centres will be applied.
Newmarket-on-Fergus representative, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) highlighted that a figure of 40,000 refugees had been mentioned, “the law of average means would have to take in 1,000”. This required outside the box thinking to meet the housing need as he suggested a more lenient approach for offices that have not been approved by fire officers, “I know they have high standards but those houses, some of them are in good condition and they could be liveable”.
Speaking at Monday’s meeting, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) labelled the scenes in Ukraine as “outrageous, devastating and embarrassing. We would all love to do more unfortunately our hands are tied”. He proposed that councillors make a financial contribution to help the Ukrainian families through the Irish Red Cross appeal. This was backed by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), “people have needlessly lost their lives, it is a horrific situation”.
Solidarity is important, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) noted, “it is something we thought we would never see again, there are some tyrants still around”. He praised the suggestion from Cllr Cooney, “it is a small gesture again but it is the least we can do”.
