Faye Dorgan, 26 Apr
PLANS to transform vacant, former bank buildings to house over 40
Ukrainian nationals are to progress, after public meetings helped allay
local concerns in two west Limerick towns.
Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) has announced plans to convert
two former Bank of Ireland branches in Abbeyfeale and Askeaton into
temporary accommodation in 12 weeks, by late June.
Both properties will provide a communal kitchen and recreational space.
A total of 44 people are expected to be housed under the government
funded Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project - 21 in Askeaton and
23 in Abbeyfeale.
While the community councils in both Abbeyfeale and Askeaton are
supporting the project, it has also been met by some opposition in the
latter, where a petition, created by a local, was signed by
approximately 350 people. Representing Askeaton, Fine Gael councillor
Adam Teskey was one of those who signed the petition and has spoken out
against the plans a number of times in meetings.
[bank_of_ireland_askeaton-1682364617637.jpg--hundreds_sign_petition_ove
r_use_of_former_limerick_bank_for_refugees.jpg?1682364635681]
Hundreds sign petition over use of former Limerick bank for refugees
Cllr Teskey said: “The key issue is this is about the most iconic
centralised building in the town, which was originally purchased on the
premise that it was going to be turned into a community e-hub to
facilitate the people of Askeaton, in terms of high-access broadband,
and the access of much-needed space to drive business forward.”
In contrast, the local authority and both community councils are
supporting the repurposing of the vacant buildings, with Ukrainian
Response Accommodation Lead with LCCC, Sonja Reidy, speaking highly of
the ‘welcome’ being given by both localities. She said: “The welcome
being provided by the two communities, in Abbeyfeale and Askeaton, is a
reflection of the warmth and kindness of those who call west Limerick
home.
“It provides great comfort to know that Abbeyfeale and Askeaton will be
able to provide safe and inviting places to stay for those fleeing
Ukraine.”
Community council meetings were held in both towns, respectively, on
April 12 and 13. In Askeaton, the vacant bank is located on the East
Square of the town.
A person who attended the Askeaton meeting said: “There was a lot of
negativity from some quarters about this. I’m much happier after
hearing the facts.”
The general consensus in Abbeyfeale was positive: “When everyone works
together with a proactive mindset, the outcome is always positive.”
Over 2,000 Ukrainian people have already been housed in Limerick.