Cost of deploying Electric Picnic tents in Laois for Ukrainian refugees 'commercially sensitive'

The financial cost of moving 750 Ukrainian war refugees into tents in Laois will not be revealed because the agreement is 'commercially sensitive', according to a Government Department.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth replied to questions from the Leinster Express about the cost to the pubic purse of setting up and running the refugee camp on the Cosby lands which have hosted the Electric Picnic.

"The Department is not in a position to comment on contractors or contractual matters due to the commercially sensitive nature of this information," it said.

It is understood that there is an agreement in place with the Cosby family. An official briefing note circulated to Laois politicians to help them answer public questions on the project said a company called Pastures New Limited has the contract to operate the facility.

The Department has also confirmed that the deal was agreed on September 1 which is the first day of the Electric Picnic. The briefing document said the tents to be used were called bell tents. 

"The tented units agreed for use are those of a high quality which are constructed on-site in advance of use by festival attendees, including those in family groups. The units will be moved and configured to ensure normal standards of emergency accommodation for families apply. Those who need to use the tents will be provided with support and security on site for the duration of their stay," said the Department.

Officials met TDs, councillors and Laois County Council officials in private on Monday, September 4. No statement was issued on this but it's understood a number of matters were clarified.

It is understood that the tents will be located on a site adjacent to Timahoe Road where EP family tented area was situated. There is a contingency plan in place for cold weather in the shape of heaters.

Officials advised that it would act as a holding/rolling area for refugees before more suitable accommodation emerges. Public representatives are understood to have for families with children to be moved out of the tents to proper homes as soon as possible.

Councillors emphasised the need for proper screening to be carried out on all persons being placed in Stradbally. They were also concerned that it could be an open-ended agreement.

Pastures New Ltd to run Electric Picnic Ukraine refugee Laois campsite - read the Government 'briefing note'

Officials were told that residents in Stradbally are not happy with the fact that the contract was signed on September 1 following weeks of negotiations but with no consultation with locals. Officials were invited to meet local people at a public meeting.

Electric Picnic tents only alternative for Ukrainians insists Laois Minister

The briefing also heard that the site of the National Ploughing Championships in Rathineska is not an option and is discounted.

Politicians were told the first of the Ukrainians would move in on Tuesday, September 4.

There are just over 1,000 Ukrainians in Laois. The Stradbally population in just over 1,400.