The Taoiseach is being urged to devise a long-term cohesive plan that benefits both Ukrainian refugees and their host communities in Clare.
A meeting between Simon Harris and representatives in this county is set to take place in the coming weeks following concerns expressed here regarding the relocation of Ukrainians to North Clare.
Two weeks after being issued with a letter informing them that the State had ended the contract with its accommodation provider, 58 Ukrainians were moved from Shannon’s Phoenix House to Lisdoonvarna on Monday.
Explaining the decision in a statement to Clare FM at the time, the Department of Integration claimed the termination of the contract was “as part of the Government’s policy of reducing its accommodation portfolio”.
Shannon Sinn Féin Councillor and General Election candidate Donna McGettigan says the move has meant people who had put down roots in the town have been “shunted off like cattle”.
12 of those previously living in Phoenix House have been able to find housing in Shannon – allowing them to remain close to their jobs and schools where their children are in attendance.
Shannon Community Integration Forum member Joanne Begley has written a letter to Integration Minister Roderick O’Gorman criticising his department’s approach and asking him to “do better”.
She says forcing working people to go on welfare and cutting vulnerable older people off from access to medical services defies logic.
A recurring criticism regarding Ukrainian accommodation in Clare has been the lack of consultation with communities – with the Department of Integration frequently accused of taking an underhanded approach.
Shannon resident and member of the Clare Regional Integration Community Forum Siobhan Boyd believes it’s in everyone’s interest for the State to engage with community representatives regarding the accommodation of those seeking refuge.
Central Statistics Office figures released this week show the Ennistyon Local Electoral Area has the highest proportion of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland – with over 12% of its population now Ukrainian.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy has received assurances that a meeting will be held between the Taoiseach and representatives from this county on the subject of Ukrainian accommodation in Clare in the coming weeks.
Councillor Garrihy insists immigration can be a net positive for Clare as long as the appropriate supports for both the refugees and the host communities are put in place.
