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EchoLive.ie, 17 Dec
According to a department circular, the former Ulster Bank building has
the capacity to house up to 23 people, with the five-year contract
starting later this month.
Former bank at Mallow Main St set to house Ukrainian refugees
The Department of Integration is set to use what was once a bank
premises on Mallow’s Main St to house Ukrainian refugees and asylum
seekers.
John O'Shea
The Department of Integration is set to use what was once a bank
premises on Mallow’s Main St to house Ukrainian refugees and asylum
seekers.
According to a department circular, the former Ulster Bank building has
the capacity to house up to 23 people, with the five-year contract
starting later this month.
For the first two years of the contract, the building will be used
specifically for the housing of Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary
protection.
It is also understood that the accommodation will be self-catering and
that a valid fire safety certificate has been provided.
Speaking to The Echo, Mallow-based Fianna Fáil county councillor
Gearóid Murphy said communication with local people on the decision was
crucial.
“There is relatively little I can say, as I had no role in the
decision,” he said.
“What I will say, though, is that I shared the information I received
as soon as I got it, because I think that communication with local
communities is important.
“I will also say that Ireland has an obligation under international law
to make a determination when a person applies for asylum.
“And until we process a person’s application, we also have an
obligation to house anyone who is seeking asylum.
“I can only imagine what it must be like to have to leave your home and
your homeland because of war or persecution.
“I believe it is very important that applications are processed
efficiently and that the Department of Integration hires a lot more
staff to ensure this.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Integration told
The Echo
: "The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and
Youth received an offer of accommodation for those fleeing the war in
Ukraine at 116 Main Street, Mallow, Co.Cork, P51FT04.
"The property underwent refurbishment as part of the Emergency
Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme overseen by the Department of
Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This refurbishment work has now
completed and from late December 2024 onwards 23 beds will be provided
for people fleeing the war in Ukraine at the property.
"Due to a reduction in the number of people arriving from Ukraine, as
well as an increase in those exiting State accommodation, the State is
reducing its overall accommodation stock.
"As a result, it is likely that those who are accommodated at 116 Main
Street, Mallow, Co.Cork, P51FT04, will be re-accommodated from
accommodation where a contract has ended and, where possible, people
will be accommodated in the same general area.
"It is not possible to give more specific information at this time on
likely occupation dates or a breakdown of the people moving in."