Former restaurant found to be not safe for Ukrainian families considered for other IPAs

Sarah Slater

A former restaurant used to accommodate up to 150 Ukrainian men, women and children who were moved out last month due to fire and safety concerns is now being considered by the Department of Integration as a possible property for other international protection applicants.

The residents at a former restaurant known as Toughers, several kilometres outside Carlow town, were informed by the department that they had to leave the premises due to fire and safety concerns following site inspections by an independent company.

The building was converted to accommodate Ukrainian international protection applicants in 2022 when Russia began its invasion of the country.

The group had been due to move in the week leading up to Christmas but were given an additional month up until the end of January, following discussions between the chief executive of Carlow County Council Coilín O’Reilly, the department and residents.

The residents protested both inside and outside council buildings over their enforced move, as many have secured jobs in Carlow and surrounding areas along with their children attending schools and South East Technological University located in the town.

Many of the families were subsequently relocated to various parts of the country such as Dublin, Limerick, Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny.

A department spokesperson said their relocations team were in contact with the residents to provide details of “State contracted accommodation” that would be provided.

“Unfortunately due to the challenges we are facing in Ireland, as a result of the huge numbers of people who have come here seeking accommodation, we cannot respond to requests for accommodation of a certain type or location,” the spokesperson said.

The department has now confirmed that it received an offer of international protection accommodation in relation to this property.

The spokesperson continued: “We are carrying out an appraisal of the offer and no decision has been made in relation to this property”.

No meetings have been held by public representatives and the department informing members of the public what is happening to the site.

Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, who lives locally, was not available for comment.