No clarity on proposed IPAS centre in west Wicklow as Ukrainians set to move

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Just under 100 Ukrainian refugees are to move out of the Avon Hotel in Blessington next week.

The facility has been providing accommodation for Ukrainian refugees over the past three years, however, due to a drop in demand for this type of accommodation, the centre has been offered to facilitate international protection applicants under a lease agreement of up to two years.

The lease agreement is under review by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; however, it remains unclear whether these plans will proceed.

During the July meeting of the Baltinglass Municipal District, elected members were told there has been no update since the council’s chief executive Emer O’Gorman wrote a letter to the Department in June, seeking clarification on the proposals.

With 95 Ukrainians due to be moved out of the area on August 8, Cllr Gerry O’Neill highlighted the pressure this move will put on housing demand in the town.

“The bulk of refugees staying in the county are being accommodated in the west, we are at breaking point and how these people are being treated is morally wrong.”

“They are being dumped out without any proper supports or prior consultation and something needs to happen to prevent this from happening again.”

Recent figures provided to a meeting of Wicklow County Council’s Strategic Housing Policy Committee highlighted the geographical spread across the county, with 673 based within the Baltinglass Municipal District.

In response district manager Theresa O’Brien said they will continue to push for answers.

“As far as we know those individuals are due to be relocated next week to various locations. Some are being moved to sites both inside and outside the county.”

“Beyond that we have no information about any potential future plans for this facility.” she added.

Cllr Jason Mulhall also expressed concern at the situation.

“It’s desperate, with no real compassion being shown to these individuals and families. I believe this is a numbers game by the department and some of the social media content online is concerning."