Old shoe factory in Edenderry being renovated to house Ukrainian refugees

The old shoe factory in Edenderry is being renovated to accommodate at least 45 Ukrainian refugees, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has confirmed. 

Work is already well underway at the large building on St Mary's Road between the Grand Canal harbour and Edenderry Business Park. 

It's understood up to 50 Ukrainians, including families, women, children and grandparents, will move in early in the New Year.

The Department told the Offaly Express that its officials are "in ongoing contact with the provider in relation to this property for the purposes of accommodating Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war."

They also confirmed the expected capacity of the property would be in the region of 50 people.

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In Edenderry, Fine Gael councillor Noel Cribbin told the Offaly Express he will welcome the new arrivals to the town "with open arms."

Cllr Cribbin said: "There are 45 Ukrainians coming, probably after Christmas; families, women, kids, grandparents, and I certainly welcome them as they are coming from a very dangerous situation with their country, cities and homes under siege from Russia.

"As chairperson this year in the Edenderry Municipal District, I welcome them to Edenderry with open arms and I wish them a happy and peaceful time in Edenderry."

Ireland is now accommodating over 97,350 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This compares with over 8,575 at the end of February 2022, Department figures reveal.

This includes over ​​​​​​73,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 24,355 International Protection applicants currently in IPAS accommodation.

"Both UCTAT and IPPS are operating in the context of a severe accommodation shortage," a Department spokesperson said.

"As a result it is necessary for the Government to place Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection Applicants in accommodation as and when it becomes available. This helps ensure accommodation is available for all those who seek it."

The Offaly Express has also contacted the housing section at Offaly County Council for comment on this story.