UKRAINIAN REFUGEES staying in Lisdoonvarna have called for world leaders to put an end to the ongoing war.
It is now a month to the day since Russian forces invaded Ukraine with the United Nations stating that 13,100 to 13,300 people have been killed during this period.
Co Clare has welcomed in under 1,000 refugees to date with 500 alone in Lisdoonvarna, just shy of 100 are now based in Kilkee. Homeowners in Ennis and Tulla are among those that have volunteered to take in Ukrainian families fleeing their war-torn country.
Liam O’Dwyer, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, said that they have received 21,000 pledges of accommodation, “which is astonishing”. “Just under a thousand” were received during the Syrian crisis, he noted, speaking before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, which was discussing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
More than 200 Ukrainian refugees who are staying in the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna have called for world leaders to stop the war in Ukraine. The refugees who arrived at the hotel last week, called for peace in a statement issued to The Clare Echo.
“All Ukrainians and all people of the world, one peace now. Please stop this senseless war. World leaders help us to stop this war. Kindness and compassion to all humanity,” the statement read.
Up to 4,000 Ukrainians could arrive in Ireland by the end of April, senior Government figures have said. The Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar (FG) said this would result in a 1% increase in the country’s overall population, which will place pressure on many services. More than 10,000 people have arrived in Ireland so far. Senior Government figures are planning on the basis that 2% of the 10 million people expected to flee Ukraine could possibly come to Ireland.
There is an intention within Government to provide every Ukrainian with “own-door self-catering accommodation” in the long-term, but he said it will be a challenge and there is “no point pretending otherwise”. He said in the short term they will largely be housed in hotels and B&Bs.
A search for potential housing is continuing across Government departments and local authorities with planning laws expected to be set aside to find homes quickly. Gardaí will soon be able to carry out vetting within seven days on perspective homes pledged by the public. This will only be required in cases where a child or a vulnerable adult is being placed in shared accommodation.
The Cabinet was told on Tuesday that the cost of accommodating 1,000 people in a hotel for a year is €33 million with some supports included. However, this cost does not include social protection payments. Latest figures show that 7,326 people arriving from Ukraine have been issued with PPS numbers, 88% of those issued with PPS numbers are women and children.
In Kilkee, two fundraisers on Saturday in aid of its newest residents displaced by war has raised €12,230. A coffee morning organized by the Pier Pressure Swim group at the Dive Center brought in nearly €6,500 and this was followed by a car wash organized by Loop Head Together that raised €5,730. Kilkee Fire Brigade and St Senan’s GAA club handed over their annual car wash day for the cause.
Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) has appealed to the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) to provide immediate financial assistance for cystic fibrosis support organisations near the EU borders with Ukraine. “These vulnerable people are living in bomb shelters, often without water and food and with no basic medical supplies. A request has been made by CFI to the Department of Foreign Affairs for immediate financial assistance that could be channelled through CFI to other cystic fibrosis associations near the border with Ukraine,” he explained.
The Taoiseach said he was supportive of “the very poignant point” raised by Deputy Carey and acknowledged it was extremely difficult for people in Ukraine because of the bombardment by Russian forces. “I can only imagine how difficult it is for people with cystic fibrosis because of the added complexities arising from their condition and the difficulties arising from that.
Deputy Carey also asked if qualified Ukrainian heavy goods vehicle drivers could take up roles working as drivers for transport companies in Ireland.
He was told by Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton (FG) that reaching a driving licence exchange agreement with another country is a comprehensive process carried out between the statutory licensing authorities in each state.
