Ireland Plans to Relocate Thousands of Ukrainian Refugees from Hotels

At least 1,000 Ukrainian men, women, and children staying in hotels across Ireland have received notifications in recent weeks that they will be relocated to new accommodations by February. The Department of Integration has issued hundreds of letters to Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) since the start of January, informing them of the move.

Government Pushes for Reduced Accommodation Contracts

The relocation notifications affect residents in more than 50 accommodation centers nationwide. The government’s goal is to reduce the number of contracts accommodating Ukrainian refugees and return these premises to private use, tourism, or student accommodation.

A small percentage of the premises will continue to be used for international protection accommodations, according to a department official.

Impact on Communities and Families

Recent relocations include 100 Ukrainians at the Golf Hotel in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, and 70 at the Kings Court Holiday Apartments in Tralee, Co. Kerry. In Limerick city, a group of 54 Ukrainians staying in Westbourne Student Accommodation has been notified of an early March move.

Other relocation notices have been issued to 110 refugees in The Avon village in Blessington, Co. Wicklow; over 400 in the former Quality Hotel in Youghal, Co. Cork; and 300 in the Cork Student Village. Another 150 refugees in the former Toughers restaurant near Carlow town are set to relocate by the end of January.

Community and Expert Concerns

Olya Maryntseva, a community worker with North, East & West Kerry Development Programme who moved to Ireland with her two children in 2022, expressed her fears about the relocation process.

Relocation is frightening for people who have already been displaced, sometimes twice, in recent years. We greatly appreciate the support Ireland has provided, but it feels like you’ve lost interest in us.

— Olya Maryntseva

Maryntseva’s concerns highlight the emotional and practical challenges faced by the refugees, who have built a new life in Ireland and now face uprooting again. Parents who have learned English, made friends, and integrated into local communities are particularly concerned about the impact on their children.

Dr. Hanna Balytska, a neonatologist who came to Ireland from Odessa in 2022 and now works at University Hospital Limerick, raised concerns about the health implications of relocating vulnerable Ukrainians. She shared the story of a pregnant woman who was relocated but struggled to find a new GP for her antenatal and postnatal appointments.

Balytska emphasized the importance of continuity in healthcare for displaced individuals, noting how essential a stable medical network is, especially for those with chronic conditions or disabilities.

Effects on Integration Efforts

The relocation process also threatens the progress made in integrating Ukrainian refugees into Irish society. Olya Maryntseva pointed out that residents have formed strong bonds with their local communities, schools, and organizations, making sudden relocations particularly disruptive.

John Lannon, CEO of Doras, echoed these concerns.

The lack of flexibility and the potential for individuals and businesses to plan ahead undermines the great efforts made to ensure the integration of newcomers from Ukraine into communities across Ireland.

— John Lannon

Financial and Emotional Strains

Hotel owners and community supporters are also experiencing the stress of sudden contract terminations. The Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP), a monthly €800 tax-free payment for hosting Ukrainians, is set to expire on March 31, 2025, exacerbating the uncertainty.

Emma Lane-Spollen, national coordinator of the Ukraine Civil Society Forum, highlighted the multiple layers of hardship faced by refugees, including potential loss of jobs, disruption of schooling, and the challenge of finding new housing or support networks in unfamiliar areas.

Lane-Spollen’s perspective underscores the broader societal implications of these movements, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that supports long-term adaptation and stability.

Government’s Response

A Department of Integration spokesperson acknowledged the challenges posed by the relocations, stating that accommodations are inherently temporary. However, they emphasized that transfers do not consider individual employment or school placements, prioritizing only medical needs assessed by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

In response to public concern, the department reassured that residents would receive at least 30 days’ notice before relocation.

These official statements, while recognizing the difficulty of transitions, do not address the broader emotional and logistical upheaval faced by the Ukrainian community.

Next Steps for the Ukrainian Community

With over 29,000 Ukrainians currently in state-supported accommodation, the shift poses significant challenges for both the refugees and local communities.

Local support organizations, such as Nasc, have called on the government to consider the long-term well-being of refugees, particularly those who have integrated into their new communities.

The relocation process not only impacts individuals but also disrupts the collaborations forged between Ukrainians and their Irish neighbors, potentially undermining the positive social and economic contributions made over the past three years.

Conclusion

Ireland’s decision to relocate thousands of Ukrainian refugees from hotel accommodations raises critical questions about the country’s approach to refugee resettlement and integration.

As these Ukrainians face yet another displacement, the importance of considering not just their immediate housing needs but their long-term social and economic integration becomes more apparent.

The ongoing developments underscore the complex challenges faced by both governments and communities in managing large-scale refugee crises and the human cost of policy decisions.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your insights will contribute to a more informed and empathetic dialogue on this important issue.

Join us in staying informed about the latest developments and supporting those affected by these changes.

Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on this story and other important news.

Share this article on social media to raise awareness and foster support for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.