First Ukrainian residents relocated from Ashbourne hotel today
The first of the 105 Ukrainian people currently being accommodated in the Ashbourne Court Hotel are being moved on today, it has emerged.
The hotel is home to around 30 Ukrainian families who have become embedded in the local community over the past two years and were devastated to be told in recent weeks that they would be moved on by 25th August.
Some of these people work in local shops and businesses and their children have settled into school and made friends.
It has been confirmed to local councillors that three residents are being moved today with the remaining 102 to be relocated to new accommodation next Friday, 23rd August.
Of the 105 residents living in the hotel 49 will remain in Co Meath with the remaining 56 to be relocated to other counties.
Local councillor Helen Meyer said: "These people have been here for two years and are fully integrated in the community. Many of them are working and it is also impacting on local businesses to lose staff overnight. Many of the children go to local schools and have made friends. It is hugely disruptive."
The six councillors in Ashbourne MD have sent a letter to Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman appealing to him to reconsider his decision and give some more time to see if alternative arrangements can be made for the residents locally.
The Ukrainian residents who have been staying at the Ashbourne Court Hotel received a letter for the Department of Integration last month stating that they would moved on to alternative accommodation before August 25th.
The letter stated that residents will be provided with approximately 48 hours notice in advance of their transfer to new accommodation and also said that due to the extreme shortage of accommodation available, anyone that declines an offer will not receive any further ones.
“In recent months, there has been a decrease in the number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine seeking accommodation in Ireland. As a result of this decrease the Department has begun consolidating its accommodation portfolio,” the document stated.
While the Department has not confirmed that it plans to use the hotel as a dedicated location for people seeking international protection once the Ukrainian residents move out, it appears it is very much on the cards.
When asked if the hotel will be used as a centre for international protection applicants, a spokesperson for DCEDIY said it was "not currently agreed but a process is underway".
The DCEDIY statement said: "Ashbourne Court is providing accommodation for people who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection due to the Ukraine War. As our Department works urgently to find accommodation for people seeking International Protection, and people from Ukraine move on to alternative accommodation, we have arranged to use some vacancies arising at this location to accommodate people seeking international protection.
"In the future, the Department may be able to use this location as a dedicated location for people seeking International Protection, this is not currently agreed but a process is underway.
"The Department will keep local representatives and media informed of any changes in arrangements at this site when they are confirmed, but it is not possible to do that while appraisal and contractual discussions are ongoing."