Window smashed at building earmarked for Ukrainian refugees in Edenderry

A window has been smashed at a building designated for Ukrainian refugees in Edenderry, Co Offaly.

The incident happened last week and the window was replaced earlier this week as extensive renovation works continue at the bold shoe factory building on St Mary's Road, Edenderry.

Before the turn of the year, clarity was given on the imminent arrival of Ukrainian refugees to the town after misplaced rumours male refugees from other countries would be accommodated in the building.

Fine Gael councillor Noel Cribbin had it confirmed to him that around 50 Ukrainian refugees will arrive in the coming weeks to be placed in the recently refurbished factory.

Cllr Cribrin said: "I have at both Edenderry Municipal Council meetings and at Offaly County Council meetings raised the issues of the proposed housing of Ukrainian refugees in Edenderry and for definite clarification as to who is coming, where they're coming from and a breakdown on the numbers of those coming.

"I looked for this in writing from Offaly Co Council who are liaising with the Dept of Integration who run this programme so as I could pass on the response to the many who welcome these families, as I do, and to those that are hearing different stories."

He went on to share the clarity he has received: "The refugees are all coming from Ukraine with a mix of families, elderly people and single persons from Ukraine; it’s not confirmed but they are expecting 50, the accommodation at the old shoe factory" which will provide a fully equipped kitchen/dining facilities with separate recreational spaces, including TV area and children’s play area.

"The accommodation consists of 14 bedrooms of varying sizes. The building will be issued with a Fire Certificate by the builder to Offaly County Council prior to occupancy, there will be an operations manager on site daily to assist the residents with day to day queries they may have along with normal daily management of the facilities. There will also be full time security personnel initially but it’s hoped to phase it out gradually.

"There will also be cleaning and maintenance staff on site as required. All residents will have been processed through the Ukrainian Transit Hub in City West where they would have received there Temporary Protection Status which includes their personal PPS number and registration with the Department of Justice.

"Residents will also receive medical card and along with their PPS number which leaves them eligible to seek work which many of there fellow country people have done to date, other entitlements are permissions to stay for one year which can be extended, full access to the labour market, social welfare income supports, access to education and to medical care.

"A community Response Forum is operational in every county and their role is to coordinate the community led response in providing assistance and support to Ukrainian refugees as they are accommodated around the country," his statement continued.

He went on to say: "As the sitting Cathaoirleach of the Edenderry Municipal District, I, along with my elected colleagues, will work with all groups to support the integration of Ukrainian refugees into our community and to welcome them wholeheartedly to Edenderry and it’s my wish to have a welcoming party to meet and greet them when they arrive, probably at the end of January or February 2024.

"Finally, there are approximately 1,500 Ukrainian refugees in Offaly presently in Tullamore, Birr, Banagher, Kilcormac and Daingean with to date no issues or problems and they are all very grateful to the Irish people and Government for the warm welcome and supports that they are receiving in towns and villages all over Ireland. In total there are 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.

"I thank Offaly County Council for the comprehensive update and I hope this eases peoples' fears and concerns as to the refugees who are to move to Edenderry in the coming weeks and months."

The Department of Integration previously confirmed to the Offaly Express that its officials were "in ongoing contact with the provider in relation to this property for the purposes of accommodating Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war."

They also confirmed the expected capacity of the property would be in the region of 50 people.

Ireland is now accommodating over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants.

"Both UCTAT and IPPS are operating in the context of a severe accommodation shortage," a Department spokesperson said.

"As a result it is necessary for the Government to place Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection Applicants in accommodation as and when it becomes available. This helps ensure accommodation is available for all those who seek it."

The Offaly Express has also contacted gardaí in relation to incident of damage at the building.