Leitrim Ukrainians fear they will be out “on the streets” as support wind-down planned
Ukrainians in Leitrim are concerned what will happen to them following the roll back of governemnt supports
Ukrainians in Leitrim fear they will be out “on the streets” following plans to remove support to those under state protection in Ireland.
This week, the government has announced the phased removal of State-contracted commercial accommodation support, including hotel spaces and private accommodations.
The plans have caused “significant stress and psychological trauma” among Ukrainians in Leitrim, with many feeling the cuts are “irresponsible" in the midst of an ongoing Russian invasion.
“There is extreme concern and a burning need for clarity,“ said Nataliya Byelyakova, Community specialist at Leitrim Development Company, who says there is a deep uncertainty among the Ukrainian community about where this will leave them.
“Families in Leitrim are particularly terrified that losing their accommodation will force them to live on the streets because they have nowhere else to go.”
Tanaiste Simon Harris told RTE Radio this week that State spending on accommodation for Ukrainians, which topped 1.43 B in 2024, according to the Department of Integration, is unsustainable.
“It is not sustainable to continue to spend billions of euros on commercial accommodation and expect people who are very welcome here, but not to pay anything towards that accommodation. I think there is a fairness and a social cohesion point there,” he said, while stressing that supports will remain for those who need them.
Around 2,000 Ukrainians are living in Leitrim, around 1,500 of whom live in private accommodation with state support or paying their own way.
It was agreed that supports would be rolled back from August, with the Accommodation Recognition Payments (ARP) to be reduced by March of next year.
The ARP scheme is a €600 payment that goes to landlords to subsidise the rent of Ukrainians under state protection, or to locals who give Ukrainians accommodation in their homes.
This may lead to a withdrawal of local hosts from the program as the lower rate amount may not cover rising costs and utilities.
Meanwhile, the move will see the closure of several centres in the county between May and August, which will affect around 500 Ukrainians in Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill, Ballinamore, and Manorhamilton.
There are concerns that the planned reduction of the ARP would mean Ukrainians who have integrated into the community, become employed locally, set up businesses or sports clubs, or contribute to local activities like tidy towns, will be forced to leave the area.
“This would break vital ties with the community and schools where their children have successfully integrated,” said Byelyakova.
There is also a fear that the exodus of people from state accommodation will further worsen the price of renting within the local rental market.