Site deemed unsafe for Ukrainian families now considered for other asylum seekers

A FORMER restaurant building outside Carlow town that was deemed unsafe for Ukrainian families last month is now being considered as potential accommodation for other international protection applicants, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has confirmed.

The site, known as Tougher’s, which previously housed up to 150 Ukrainian refugees, including men, women and children, was evacuated on 28 January following fire and safety concerns identified during independent site inspections. 

Now, barely two weeks later, the department has acknowledged receiving an offer to use the same property for other asylum seekers.

“We are carrying out an appraisal of the offer and no decision has been made in relation to this property,” said a spokesperson for the department.

The development has sparked criticism from local community leaders, with Reverend Paul Fitzpatrick from St Mary’s Church, Carlow condemning the department’s handling of the Ukrainian residents’ relocation. 

“I thought the Ukrainian families were treated very badly, deplorably, in fact,” said Rev Fitzpatrick, referring to the 28 January evacuation.

The building, which was converted to refugee accommodation in 2022, had become home to families who had integrated into the local community, with many securing employment in Carlow and surrounding areas while their children attended local schools.

Rev Fitzpatrick, who appealed to both the Department of Justice and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on behalf of the families during the relocation process, offered criticism of the authorities’ approach.

“They should be called departments of disintegration, because I think they treated the Ukrainian community, those who wanted to remain in Carlow, deplorably,” he stated.

Former county councillor Walter Lacey expressed concern about the impact on these families. 

“I think it’s most unfair of the department … I think it’s a terrible decision that they made, and I’m not sure why they made it. Whether the funding for the Ukrainian people has dried up or gotten smaller, I’m not sure,” added Mr Lacey.

The displaced residents were relocated to various parts of the country, including Dublin, Limerick, Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny. Through the efforts of Rev Fitzpatrick and other community members, at least ten families have managed to find alternative accommodation in or around Carlow town.

The lack of transparency surrounding future plans for the site has raised additional concerns. 

Mr Lacey highlighted the secretive nature of the process, stating: “The fact that (the situation is) unknown. It’s almost secretive at the moment, what the department is doing. I think they should be more upfront talking to the community ... letting people know what’s happening and not possibly coming in the dark of night with new residents.”