Department calls on Limerick families to house refugees

THE DEPARTMENT of Integration are calling on Limerick families to pledge accommodation to Ukrainian refugees after a surge of arrivals earlier this summer.

The influx of refugees into the county has continued to strain housing resources, with many being placed in temporary accommodations on UL campus.

With the academic year looming, the government is necessitating a creative approach to ensure that all refugees can secure comfortable accommodation elsewhere.

A spokesperson for the Department of Integration said: “It is hoped that many currently in student accommodation can be placed in accommodation pledged by Irish families.

“Accommodation is now of varying standards, which is not what we would wish, and both new arrivals and those who are being transferred may experience a lower standard of accommodation.”

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Where serviced or pledged accommodation is not available it is said that Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) may be required to stay in emergency centres in advance of other accommodation coming on stream.

John Lannon, chief executive of DORAS, an organisation advocating for the rights of migrants and refugees, said local integration is a “wonderful initiative” for those seeking emergency accommodation.

“The €800 Accommodation Recognition Payment has meant that it was possible for people to make rooms available,” Mr Lannon stated.

However, he added that this is not a long-term solution: “Under the payment, people have to make this commitment for six months, but that is often as long as people can give a room.”

While this option allows refugees to integrate into a society with regards finding education, work and medical care, he stated:

“We do need to see the rapid build of modular homes, and renovations to existing buildings.”

This situation is said to potentially escalate into a crisis, with nearly 5,000 people requiring relocation across the country.