170 residents told to move from Drumshanbo hotel by the end of the month

A person who has been helping house Ukrainians in this area spoke to the Leitrim Observer about the government's decision to move 170 residents from a hotel in Leitrim. 

"They were given notice on Wednesday that they were to pack their bags more or less and be gone by the end of the month," the individual told the Observer.

"Where to, they don't know. It's predominantly women and children in the hotel and a lot of the women work in the locality and their children all go to school. I believe there has been correspondence from the Government and apparently they can make these decisions and that's what they've done. The Government has pulled the contract and are moving all the Ukranians out and why they did, I don't know," they continued.

There are around 170 people living in the hotel, said the person, who asked not to be named.

"They have been there for the better part of two years so they are very much part of society. There are a lot of people working locally in the various shops and the industries up there in Drumshanbo; the distillery and various kitchens and there are women doing courses in the SOLAS centre in Drumshanbo.

"They've basically had the rug pulled out from underneath them. They've been given no reason and have no idea where they're going. They know they are going before May 31 and were told this on Wednesday at an informal meeting."

They said, "They have been living here the last two years and are part of the community and Drumshanbo is flourishing because of the Ukrainian population. It's a vibrant town and you're taking a sizable chunk of the population and shipping them off to God knows where."

The speaker described the housing crisis as a "catastrophe but this is happening. There's no health and safety reasons for it or anything like that."

Under a revised plan in March, Ukrainian refugees go to designated accommodation centres for up to 90 days and are provided with food, laundry and integration support during this time.

They are paid a €38.80 subsistence allowance per week and an additional €29.80 per child.

Arrivals had previously been entitled to a jobseeker’s allowance of €220 per week and unlimited time in State accommodation.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) sent a letter to residents stating that, under the The Temporary Protection Directive, the DCEDIY "provided you with short-term temporary accommodation. In accordance with your current accommodation provide, Lough Allen Hotel, DCEDIY wishes to inform you that we must move you to new accommodation by 31/05/2024."

The letter goes on to say that arrangements for their next accommodation are currently being finalised and they will soon receive a letter from the hotel management with details. 

A letter from the management of Lough Allen Hotel sent to residents said that they wanted them to know that "we have done everything within our power to ask the Government to allow you to stay here with us in the hotel. Unfortunately, the Department has come to this decision without any consultation with the management of the hotel. We are very shocked and saddened at this sudden decision but it is now beyond our control". 

The person who spoke to us went to say that the residents are "devastated and there were women in floods of tears all day Thursday and all day Friday. They are looking at the news every day of their country being bombed and have done their best to make this place home and now all of a sudden, they don't know if they can continue in their employment, in their education, if their kids can go to school; they don't know anything and it's all been decided by the swipe of a pen."

They stated that the departure of the 170 residents will be a "problem for businesses in town because they will be down a lot of money as it's a cyclical economy; they are working in the shops and then spending their money in the shops."

They continued, "this needs to be stopped; you can't do this to people; it's pure inhumane. Everyone gets on well with each other; they've integrated very well into this locality. Children are up and dressed every morning and go to school and women are up and gone to work or education and the only ones at home are mothers who have very young children.

"Their safety, security and sanctuary is gone for all these residents. My overall experience of these people has been extremely positive."