Eviction notice for Ukrainian refugees in East Cork hotel paused

An eviction notice for hundreds of Ukrainian refugees living in an East Cork hotel has been paused by the Department of Integration.

Ukrainians accommodated at the Quality Hotel in Redbarn, Youghal, were told earlier this month that they had to leave their accommodation by February 7. They were told efforts would be made to keep them in the same geographical area, but that it might not be possible.

Fianna Fáil TD for East Cork, James O’Connor, told The Echo: “I have been informed by the Department of Integration that they have temporarily suspended their decision to move Ukrainian families from the former Quality Hotel in Youghal,” adding that he had been “in constant communication” with the department to fight for the Ukrainian families to remain at Redbarn.

Welcomed

Social Democrats Cork East TD Liam Quaide welcomed the temporary suspension, but said: “We need to see a plan from the department that supports the families to remain in Youghal. This eviction notice and others that are being issued to refugees around the country jar fundamentally with the integrated, connected lives of these families. It makes no sense to crudely uproot people integrated in the community.”

His party colleague, East Cork county councillor Eamonn Horgan, added: “While it’s a welcome change of heart from the department, the residents need certainty going forward.

“Nobody can be expected to live their life constantly worrying about when the next letter will come, threatening a displacement. We would like to meet with department representatives to get reassurances that this will not happen again.”

Uncertainty

Mother of two Mila Rylushkin told The Echo that while it was “amazing” to hear the news of the pause, there was still a lot of uncertainty.

“We just hope that it will be extended to the end of June so we can stay and our children can stay in school and learn uninterrupted,” she said. “That would allow us to try, with the help of the local people, to find some accommodation here.”

A department spokesperson told The Echo it has been in touch with residents and the provider in relation to the changes.

“The department continues to engage with residents, service providers like the HSE, and local representatives,” the spokesperson said. “This may impact the proposed timelines for potential moves, and the department will keep residents and providers informed about next steps.”