BREAKING: Kildare racecourse premises could accommodate Ukrainian refugees
A County Kildare racecourse premises is likely being considered as a venue to house refugees from the war in Ukraine.
It's understood that the event centre at Punchestown Racecourse could accommodate up to 300 people who have fled the conflict.
The event centre is a vast building occupying over 60,000 square feet.
It operates separately from the racecourse, which itself is the premier National Hunt venue in Ireland.
The centre can accommodate 8,000 visitors and is wheelchair accessible.
Originally constructed as an indoor equestrian arena, it hosts exhibitions, entertainment events, trade shows, and conferences. It’s also used as a Covid-19 vaccination and test centre.
It also serves as the count centre for local and general elections.
A spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth told the Leinster Leader: "Discussions are ongoing in relation to the use of this facility for beneficiaries of temporary protection."
Beneficiaries of temporary protection is a United Nations term referring to people who were living in Ukraine prior to the start of the Russian invasion of February 24, 2022.
A spokesperson for Punchestown Racecourse was contacted for comment.
Ukrainian refugees began arriving at a former equestrian centre in Kill about two months ago in what is generally regarded as a successful project, supported by the local community there.
Initially it was expected that about 50 families or some 150 people would arrive.
In all, some 340 people will be accommodated there in 165 pod-style rooms.