Electric Picnic Stradbally refugee camp in Laois can be filled within a week
A refugee camp using Electric Picnic tents for 750 people who have fled Russia's war against Ukraine can be fully occupied within a week, according to a statement from the Government Department which is overseeing the process.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed the use of tents on the Electric Picnic site in Stradbally on Cosby family land adding that more tents will be used in other locations for those fleeing the war.
The Department it signed a contract on September 1 2023 for the use of a site at Stradbally to be available from September 5. It said the contract is for a six-week period and will have a capacity of 750 to be "used on a phased, contingency basis".
"The accommodation at the site is for very short-term use and efforts will be made to secure short-term accommodation (from the existing departmental portfolio) for those who will be placed there.
"The provider has stated that the contract can commence on Tuesday, September 5, on a phased basis, with full occupancy of 750 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine (BOTPs) by Thursday, September 7," it said.
Since February 2021 to date, the Department says it has provided over 92,400 people seeking refuge with state-sourced accommodation, and that number continues to increase. It said this consists of 69,518 people who have fled the war in Ukraine and 22,700 people seeking international protection.
It said the number of arrivals from Ukraine increased during the summer, with more than 10,000 people fleeing here since May 1, an average of around 650 people per week. It is estimated that up to 500 people could continue to arrive over the next weeks from Ukraine.
The Department explained that while almost 7,000 additional beds have been contracted in this time, there remains a significant shortfall in accommodation for those fleeing Ukraine. It said that while it has been possible to source accommodation from the tourism sector up to now, that sector is at capacity, and very few new offers are being made to the Department.
In addition, sourcing accommodation for those already in Ireland in student accommodation is a challenge, and some may have to be moved to other very short-term accommodation until more stable accommodation is available.
"Due to this significant shortfall, it is expected that, from next week, tented accommodation will be the primary source of accommodation for new arrivals from Ukraine.
"A small number of new arrivals have already been placed in tents, and this will increase as new locations for tented facilities come on stream. Vulnerable arrivals will be prioritised for any non-tented accommodation available.
"Government continues to seek new accommodation sources such as repurposed buildings and rapid build and prefabricated accommodation," it said.
The statement continued that offers of commercial accommodation continue to reduce month on month.
"We have negotiated with and contracted as many longer-term providers as is possible. Not all are suitable and must meet agreed standards
"The use of student accommodation throughout the summer months offered initial contingency but has also served to create a build-up of demand in light of decreasing supply. Other sources of accommodation which require refurbishment or have building requirements take significantly longer to come on stream," it said.
It also addressed the welfare of the Ukrainians or as the statement refers to them as "BoTPs". It said the contractors provider’s proposal takes careful consideration of their needs and includes the following welfare services:
- hot catered meal service provision;
- on-site access to an advanced paramedic and first aid service;
- serviced shower and toilet facilities;
- self-service laundry facilities;
- sanitation and refuse services;
- indoor and outdoor dining facilities;
- indoor and outdoor recreational spaces;
- utilities (hot water, heating) availability;
- tracked walkway all around site to ensure safe passage between on-site tents and other amenities.
The Department has sent a briefing note to councillors to help them answer questions from local people about the site. A 'technical briefing' was also scheduled with public representatives in Laois County Council on Monday, September 4.