Last-ditch effort to reverse ‘outrageous’ decision that will leave 150 Ukrainians homeless
Toughers Restaurant on the Dublin Road, Carlow, which has been home to 150 Ukrainian refugees Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
ELEVENTH-HOUR efforts are being made to keep 150 Ukrainian families in their homes this Christmas following the shock news that their Carlow accommodation is to be shut down by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Families living at the former Tougher’s Restaurant, Dublin Road, Carlow were abruptly told last Thursday that the premises used to accommodate Ukrainian International Protection Applicants since 2022 is to close due to fire safety concerns. It is understood that the department has ended its contract with the accommodation provider and that all the Ukrainian families living there have been told they must leave before or on 1 January.
“It’s a disgrace, and to happen two weeks before Christmas … it shows absolutely no consideration for families,” mayor of Carlow cllr Fintan Phelan told .
“There are children living there who have their school plays in local schools this week, families with decorations up in what is their home, people who are working locally and who have integrated into this community. It’s outrageous for people to be treated like this,” said cllr Phelan.
Cllr Phelan confirmed that last-ditch efforts are being made to find a resolution. He confirmed that in recent days Carlow County Council had issued a valid fire safety certificate for the premises.
“Efforts to resolve this are being made. We have to get a resolution, you just can’t do this to people,” argued cllr Phelan.
A department spokesperson confirmed that it had “terminated the contract” for Tougher’s Accommodation Centre due to “fire safety concerns” following site inspections by an independent inspections company. The spokesperson explained that at the time of inspection of the centre, “the quality of the accommodation being provided was found not to be of the necessary standard required by the department”.
“We made the decision to remove the people living there in the interests of their safety. While it is unfortunate that they will have to be moved with very little notice, this is unavoidable given the concerns raised,” the department spokesperson continued.
However, the department said that while families will “where possible” be accommodated locally, other properties around the country will have to be used.
“Given the significant number of people at this location and the shortage of accommodation the department has under contract in this area, it is expected that properties in other parts of the country will have to be used,” the spokesperson revealed. “We regret the disruption that this will cause to the people involved, but the department has a duty of care to the people who were accommodated at this centre.” Deputy John McGuinness described the department’s actions as “abhorrent”, adding that “you wouldn’t treat animals” in such a manner.
“I would appeal to the department and relevant authorities not to allow this to happen. Surely they should sort out what needs to be done when it comes to fire safety. This situation did not just materialise in the past number of days. Families should not be discommoded in the first place, but particularly not at this time of the year – it’s quite shocking.
“They seem to have no humanity or compassion knowing that families and children are going to be unsettled in the run-up to Christmas. Dispersing people around the country like this is simply unbelievable,” said deputy McGuinness.
