Laois residents welcomes Ukrainian housing but warn of lack of facilities
The Rathdowney community who came out to view plans for the modular housing estate for Ukrainian war refugees, have raised questions over facilities, and why the field, once earmarked for social housing, was never used, allowing it to be given back to the state.
“It looks lovely, I have no issue with them but what happens in three years? The council owned this land for 20 years, why did they not build social houses before now, why did they not develop it? Cattle are grazing on it for 20 years.
“There is a war. I get that, we've no issue with that.
“This land was to be for social and affordable housing. Shame on them for not developing it, or getting some approved body of some description to do it.
“I would like to see them used for social and affordable housing,” a woman commented.
Another person thinks it is too big an estate bringing too many people to Rathdowney, with a population of about 1,400.
“I think it's too many houses for the town, for school places. If it was for only three years it would be great, but there is a level of uncertainty. In three years will they change the law or would they be left derelict? It's stll very up in the air,” a local man said.
One local lady is urging that community facilities be built alongside the houses for the new temporary community.
“They need services on site, even an adult and childrens playground. Or a place that parents can meet for a club. It would be nice to see a liaison officer in the parish.
“If something is not planned now by the OPW, it will never happen. They need those facilities before the winter,” the woman said.
In reply, Ms Byrne said the estate will have just green spaces like any other estate, but that the new €1 million community fund can pay for new facilities in towns taking large volumes of refugees.
Others are simply very positive about the plan.
“I am sure they will be very welcome here in the town. I can't see any reason for any objection to their presence. I hope they can blend in. So many people have left our town.
“We are all used to foreign people in the meat factory, like the Brazilians and Polish people who live in and around the town and there are lots of different nationalities in the schools,” a resident said.