Eighty-eight Ukrainian refugees to move into Inchmore House in Clara

Eighty-eight Ukrainians are to move into Inchmore House in Clara. At the first meeting of Tullamore Municipal District since the local elections, Councillor Neil Feighery said he had just received confirmation.

Cllr Feighery said all of the councillors had been ''getting it in the neck'' about the matter even in recent weeks.

''In the context of Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing warfare. We welcome them as happened in Edenderry in recent weeks. This is a positive development and we finally have a decision on that.'' said the Fine Gael councillor.

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 at one stage 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.''

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 three accessible toilets/showers provided. The accommodation consists of 58 bedrooms varying in size.

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.