Attempts to abruptly move Ukrainian refugees from student accommodation in Dublin are chaotic and cruel, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon said:
“Last month, more than 200 Ukrainian refugees were told they would be moved from accommodation in Dublin 1, where many of them have put down roots in the community.
“Among this group, nearly 50 children are attending local schools while scores of adults are working in local businesses.
“On that occasion, the Department of Integration was embarrassed into pausing the move because it was initially ordered to coincide with the third anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
“However, yesterday the Department issued further letters to these refugees giving them just 48 hours’ notice of a planned mass exodus tomorrow.
“The proposed move is so chaotic, and badly planned, that parents received letters telling them they will be moved to an accommodation centre in Kildare and their young children will be moved to Swords.
“Despite children attending schools in Dublin 1, the Department is proposing to move them far away – to Kildare, Swords, and Bray.
“This will inevitably mean children having to move schools in the middle of the school year – and losing connection with friends they have made.
“No allowance has been made for those adults who are in employment either, with those people now at a loss as to how they can remain in their jobs.
“This move is both chaotic and cruel. There has been zero interest from the Department in promoting the integration of refugees in their host communities.
“These children have already been through so much – forced to flee to Ireland and learn a new language. They have now made friends and are excelling in their schools – but this move will cause huge disruption and upset.
“At a minimum, the move should be postponed to the end of the school year so children are not uprooted from schools and adults have time to both look for alternative accommodation and make arrangements for work.”
March 13, 2025