One hundred Ukrainian refugees to be accommodated in former convent in Offaly

ONE hundred people fleeing the war in Ukraine are to be accommodated in the former La Sainte Union convent building in Banagher, and will probably arrive in November.

The former convent is in private ownership, and improvement works have been ongoing in recent months at the building to prepare for the refugees.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said the premises “will be made up of beneficiaries of temporary protection fleeing the conflict in Ukraine....The Department is focussed on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.”

Cllr John Leahy told The Midland Tribune that while he has no difficulty with accommodating Ukrainian refugees, he does have a number of reservations. He said he has talked to a number of local people who share his concerns.

The councillor said a number of people had contacted him last week prior to the news breaking when they heard rumours that a significant number of refugees would be coming to the premises.

“I initially didn't believe the news myself. I was glad to see the LSU building being renovated in the last few months because it's been empty and neglected for many years," he said.

"There had been a plan to demolish the premises and create a car park instead, but they couldn't do that because it's a protected building.

"Then there was a plan to create apartments in it. When I saw it being renovated I thought that was for the apartments, not for refugees. I was surprised when I found out I was wrong.”

He said he rang a contact in the government who got on to the Department for Foreign Affairs who told him the news was true.

Councillor Leahy pointed out that there are already about 30 refugees in Banagher and his worry is the town mightn't be ready for a hundred more arrivals.

“What should happen, but unfortunately I can't see it happening, is the Department should come down to the town and tell us that the educational and medical needs of the new arrivals will be met and how they will be met.

“Unfortunately, the Department's template is a lack of adequate communication, which creates confusion and anger. They should be telling us what the plan is. They should be telling the schools how many children might be arriving. They should be talking to the local medical services. I don't think any of that has happened. It's possible 50% of the new arrivals could be children. That would mean a need for two extra classrooms and two more teachers in Banagher.”

The Councillor said the 30 Ukrainian refugees in Kilcormac's former convent have integrated well into the local community since their arrival in February. He said their arrival hasn't adversely impacted on the town's services. He is not certain Banagher will turn out as well.

“A hundred is a lot of people, and we need to be reassured it won't have a negative impact on the services. I also think a hundred people will be too many for the LSU building. Definitely a lot of bunk beds will be required.”

Cllr Leahy added that he's also worried about the longer-term use of facilities such as the former convent in Banagher, and thinks it's possible that they could be turned into permanent accommodation centres for people arriving into the country.

The La Sainte Union order came to Banagher in 1863. Its secondary school closed in 2007 when it amalgamated with St Rynagh's Community College and the building has been empty since. It covers an area of 14,110 square feet.