Many Ukrainians living in Cork to be moved this summer

Ukrainians living in Cork are being moved from their accommodation, with a further 800 to move over the coming months.

A briefing document circulated to elected representatives on the relocation of beneficiaries of temporary protection explains that the closing of accommodation centres to move people elsewhere “was paused during March to allow for greater planning and notice periods for residents”.

The pause came after widespread concern around the uncertainty of where they would be moved to, and the fact that children may have to change school, including those preparing to sit State examinations.

The department said: 

“Relocations of residents from some Ukraine properties are now being planned to begin in June and continue throughout the summer period.”

In Cork, nine people residing in The Eldon Hotel, Skibbereen, were moved on June 1, and a further four properties will be affected in the next two months.

The 380 people living in Carrigrohane Student Village and the 45 people living in IEC Kanturk will be moved on June 30.

The 13 people living in Grand Hotel, Fermoy, will be moved on July 4, while 374 people living in Quality Hotel in Youghal are to be moved on August 8.

The next use of the property after a contract ends is a decision for the provider, but, nationally, the department said that about 12,000 beds will be returned to tourism use and 1,800 beds will be returned for student accommodation.

The document added: 

“The department has received an expression of interest to provide international protection accommodation from the Quality Hotel in Youghal. This property is already providing accommodation for some people seeking international protection in vacancies. No decision has been made in relation to this offer, and the appraisal process is ongoing.”

Social Democrats councillor for East Cork, Eamonn Horgan, told The Echo: “Since the postponement a few months back, there has been very little effort from the department to engage with the most vulnerable here.

“I’ve been meeting with residents of the Quality Hotel, Youghal, recently to discuss further plans or options that they have, and I have been blown away by their willingness and the drive they show in trying to resolve their living situation.”