Green Party candidate supports Ukrainian residents in Offaly

GREEN Party Local Election candidate, Ekaterina Koneva, met with Birr Ukrainian residents of Elm Grove House, who are currently fighting for the opportunity to stay in their home. Koneva had a meeting with the Manager of Elm Grove House, Maureen O’Meara, to discuss the situation and possible resolutions to the issues.

The residents received notice from the Ukrainian Temporary Accommodation Team of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, informing them that “it is no longer possible to accommodate” them at the Elm Grove House. 19 of the residents have been offered new accommodation for 19 at Banagher Convent on the Main Street of Banagher, but the remaining residents have not yet received any notice about where they are being relocated to or when.

On Saturday, April 20th the Green Party held a Convention in Dublin and Ekaterina Koneva had a chance to discuss the Elm Grove Residents concerns with the Minister of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman. The letters from the Elm Grove Residents, the manager and several community organisations, including Offaly/Laois ETB and Birr Vintage Week, were handed to the Minister for consideration.

Ekaterina Koneva said; “We, community activists, community members, department officals and politicians should not have constant battles, we should work together to establish a strong and effective working system, where people's needs are prioritised before finances, and where the Government work quickly when facing challenges.”

The management and residents have sent a number of letters to several departments and politicians with the hope of overturning the decision to relocate Elm Grove residents.

The manager of Elm Grove House stated; “There are no reasonable grounds for the contract not being reviewed, as the owners of the Elm Grove House are more than happy to continue to accommodate the beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine, who are fleeing the war.”

There are 41 residents from Ukraine residing at Elm Grove House at the moment, eight children of different ages, eight disabled people with mobility issues, including five in wheelchairs and three with need of assistance. The Elm Grove House has all required facilities and equipment to provide necessary care of high standard to all residents. Residents are also provided with great support and help with integration, attendance of sport and other events, English classes and other training and workshops in Birr. Many have already secured school places for kids and jobs or volunteer opportunities for adults.

Maureen O’Meara added; “The rent price is agreeable, and we invite the department representatives to visit Elm Grove House and meet the residents, to listen to their concerns and to see their needs, and not just make table decisions. There are no facilities better than Elm Grove House in Banagher or elsewhere around Birr for them.”