Plan to house Ukrainians in former bank in Limerick town criticised

A COUNCILLOR has severely criticised plans to house 22 Ukrainian refugees in an old bank premises.

The landmark former Bank of Ireland building in Askeaton has been purchased by council.

At this month’s meeting, a resolution was passed which states the complex will house refugees for two years before becoming a facility for a community enterprise building.

But Fine Gael’s Adam Teskey says putting those fleeing war in the facility is “not in keeping” with the town and “lacks any sense of forward planning" from council. He’s pledged to fight the plans.

“Locally, the town does not have an adequate sewerage system which has prevented many individuals from investing in the town. Resources across a wide spectrum from policing to medical needs are currently over-stretched and in need of support,” he added, insisting he is not against the arrival of refugees, but conscious of the pressures the town is under.

Councillor Teskey, who is the deputy leader of the Adare/Rathkeale district, added: “The local authority should be committed to sustaining and promoting what is left of our commercial buildings, not turning them into temporary accommodation units.

“I cannot support such a move to have this prime building turned into a multi-occupation unit. To me, it goes against the economic needs of the area. I will not turn my back on the people of Askeaton,” he said.

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His comments put him at odds with his Fine Gael colleague and district leader, Cllr Stephen Keary.  For it was his motion – that was passed – which sought the two-year stay for Ukrainian refugees.

"How can you put a suggested end time to this situation when we don’t know what the outcome will be,” Cllr Teskey asked, referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “It’s going to take years to rebuild Ukraine after it’s been bombarded, and we are trying to set in stone a two year date? It’s not realistic.”

In a statement, council confirmed the building will be used for self-catering accommodation of Ukrainian refugees on a two-year contract.

It will shortly begin a feasibility study to consider any potential use after that.

Last week’s meeting saw Cllr Keary’s motion widely supported, with only Cllr Teskey speaking out against it.

Veteran councillor Kevin Sheahan, who lives in Askeaton, said the community council are in support of housing the Ukrainians.

He added: “I am adamant Askeaton would be identified as a welcoming community. It’s been a tradition that when strangers came in, they were welcomed.”