Ukrainians to be accommodated at 58 bedroom historical house in Clara

Ukrainian refugees are to be accommodated in Inchmore House in Clara.

There had been mounting speculation in Clara that the listed building was to be used to house asylum seekers. Some had suggested that 100 males would be placed there. A protest took place last weekend outside the entrance to the historic building.

However, following correspondence from local representatives to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to clarify the situation, the Department issued what it called a ''briefing note for Public Representatives and Key Stakeholders,'' regarding the building and to ''ensure you are informed of developments in your area in relation to emergency accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, BOTPs).

The accommodation being provided at Inchmore is self-catering. It provides a fully equipped kitchen/dining facilities with separate recreational spaces, including living area, TV area, children’s play area, reading rooms etc. Toilets and showers are ensuite.

There are 3 accessible toilets/showers provided. The accommodation consists of 58 bedrooms varying in size.

In response to questions regarding the building fire certification the Department said prior to occupation, a valid fire certificate will be provided to the Local Authority. All additional supporting fire and insurance documentation will also be provided.

An operations manager will be on site daily to assist the residents with day to day queries they may have, in addition to the normal daily management of the facilities.

For an initial period there will be a full-time security personnel. Following this initial assessment period, it is envisaged this security presence will be reduced in level with the need of facility.

There will be cleaning and maintenance staff on site as required.

The residents have been processed through the Ukraine Transit Hub at City West, Dublin where they have received their Temporary Protection status. As part of this process, their PPS Number has been allocated by the Department of Social Protection, and they have registered with the Department of Justice.

''Once BOTP applicants have received medical cards and PPS numbers on arrival into Citywest, they are then eligible to seek work and many people have done so and are making a positive contribution to the local and national economies particularly in areas where there are skills shortages,'' the Department states.

Temporary Protection provides applicants with a wide range of supports, including: Permission to reside in Ireland for a period of one year, and the permission may be extended for further periods after that. Full access to the labour market. Access to accommodation, if needed. Social welfare income supports. Access to education. Access to medical care.

Local services will be engaged to ensure that residents are aware of and can access the support services available, including health, education, transport, community groups and local services.

''A Community Response Forum is operational in each local authority. Building on the networks and relationships developed during the response to COVID-19, the Community Response Forums were repurposed in each local authority area to accommodate the Ukraine response.

The role of the Community Response Forum is to coordinate the community-led response in providing assistance and support to Ukrainian refugees as they are accommodated around the county.

These groups enable all those involved at a local level to work together to support the integration of Ukrainian refugees into local communities under the stewardship of the local authority.'' the Department concluded.