Ukrainian refugees set to remain at former East Cork holiday village 

The former Trabolgan holiday village in East Cork is to continue hosting Ukrainian refugees, with many residents — though not all — granted permission to stay after months of uncertainty.

More than 500 residents of Trabolgan, one of the largest accommodation centres in the State for people fleeing the war in Ukraine, were told last June that a phased wind-down of State contracted commercial accommodation would commence in the coming weeks.

The move was part of a nationwide process which began in August 2026 and is due to be completed by March 2027.

However, the Government said at the time that people with vulnerabilities, or particular family circumstances, could apply to continue living in State accommodation, estimating that around 5,000 people would qualify to stay.

The residents have been left in limbo since, with many telling The Echo at the time that they were facing homelessness, including those caring for elderly family and children with chronic illnesses.

One resident said the most difficult and stressful thing about the current situation was the lack of any specific deadlines, leaving people “in a state of constant uncertainty”.

Willing to stay

Many said they would be willing to pay to stay in Trabolgan as they had already been fruitlessly searching for private rental housing, but were unable to find any due to high prices and requirements to provide references.

Over the weekend, what is understood to be the majority of the Trabolgan residents were contacted saying they “are not required to relocate at this time”.

The letter they received added: “Please also note that while you are not required to relocate at this time, the need to relocate may arise in future. You will be given due notice of any changes should a future move be necessary.”

A spokesperson for the group said they were very grateful to the Department of Justice, The Echo for highlighting their story, and local TD Liam Quaide.

They said that thanks to the “dedication, unwavering support, and prompt intervention”, of the Social Democrat TD, their issue has finally been successfully resolved.

However, some residents were refused permission to stay in Trabolgan, and are being moved to a temporary facility in Kilkenny, and from there they will have 30 days to find their own accommodation.