Ireland runs out of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees

MADRID, 14 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Ireland is facing a housing shortage for Ukrainian refugees who continue to pour into the country as Citywest's West Dublin hub has reached capacity.

The country's Department for Children informed Irish NGOs supporting Ukrainians on Wednesday that it has had to suspend the admission of new immigrants into existing state accommodation as available beds and space at Citywest and It does not have an immediate contingency plan, as reported by the 'Irish Times' newspaper.

The Citywest center hosts more than 1,000 people who have fled the war in Ukraine and is at capacity, forcing the government to find an alternative transit center in the Dublin region for any new Ukrainians arriving.

Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin will meet senior ministers on Thursday to discuss the situation and "review current policies and processes," an Irish government spokeswoman said, according to the newspaper.

Likewise, it has indicated that there has been a “very significant” increase in the number of people requesting asylum in recent weeks, which has caused a “serious shortage” of available accommodation for both Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers. .

As of Monday, 40,678 people had arrived in Ireland from Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24.

"Ensuring the safety, health and security of people fleeing Ukraine has been, and remains, a top priority for the Irish Government since the Russian attack began in February. Most people arriving in Ireland they are women and children", has sentenced the spokeswoman for the Executive.