Voluntary and community organisations in Clare says improved infrastructure in the county is needed to accommodate a growing number of Ukrainian refugees here.
Integration Minister Roderic O’ Gorman is meeting with refugees in Lisdoonvarna today along with volunteers in the North Clare area.
Clare Councillors heard at their monthly meeting this week that more than 1,900 Ukrainians are now being accommodated in this county – though this does not include those taken in by family members and other private dwellers.
It means around 1 in 10 refugees in Ireland that have fled the war torn state have come to Clare.
That number is expected to grow significantly over the coming weeks.
Community organisations here have been assisting with efforts to ensure quick access to medical cards, PPS numbers, shelter, education and other supports, and they now say they need Government help to ensure they can continue to do that.
Minister Heather Humphreys appeared to rule out the prospect of a dedicated hub for Ukrainians to avail of these services to be made available in Clare last week.
Jackie Bonfield of Midwest Simon says better planning is needed, and that the prospect of assistance hubs should be put back on the table.
A member of the Clare Immigrant Support Network, meanwhile, is being critical of what she describes as a ‘messy’ response to the humanitarian crisis.
Orla Ni Eili says financial and staffing support from the State is urgently needed.
Minister for Integration and Equality Roderic O Gorman is visiting Ukrainian refugees in Lisdoonvarna Failte today, along with meeting community groups here, having held a briefing with senior officials from Clare County Council yesterday evening.
He says it’s important to get a sense of what the most immediate needs are before committing to a suite of supports for communities in this county.
