In a little more than two weeks, 110 Ukrainian migrants who have been residing in a former Wicklow vacation hamlet for around two years will be moving, reports RTE.
The Department of Integration sent a letter to the residents of The Avon in Blessington informing them that they will be moving by February 7.
They were also informed that they would get 48 hours’ notice before the relocation, that dogs are not permitted, and that the department cannot promise they will be able to stay in or close to the region, reports RTE.
Many have made the Blessington region their home, where they work and send their kids to school.
Living at The Avon with her daughter and working in the area, Viktoria pleaded with the government and the site’s operators to let them continue to pay rent on the houses they now occupy instead of moving them.
“Many Ukrainians lost their homes, but here they found a second home and felt safe at last. She pleaded, “Don’t let them lose everything again,” reports RTE.
This February is the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As of last December 19th, Ukrainians Under Temporary Protection had been assigned 111,389 PPS numbers, reports RTE.
About 25% of those individuals, according to the CSO, have subsequently departed the nation.
As demand declines and there are openings at contracted lodging facilities, the Department of Integration is currently terminating accommodation contracts, reports RTE.
In several instances, the providers are terminating their own contracts in order to go back to the private sector or to make their accommodations available for other purposes.
Since 2023, Olha and her daughter have resided in The Avon.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she said: “I’m working. I’m volunteering. I finished my Level 4; I took eight courses in IT skills. I’m working under Community Employee Programme. I’m working with people with intellectual disabilities,” reports RTE.
According to her, her small daughter adores her school and her teacher, and the community is the nicest part of her life.
There are 36 children at St. Mary’s Junior School, one of several in the neighbourhood, who are either Ukrainian or come from families covered by international protection. The Avon is where six of the kids reside, reports RTE.
According to Carmel Dillon, the principal of St. Mary’s, neither the staff nor the students want these kids to be removed from the school and moved.
“I’m devastated. Not just because we have gotten to know these children and they have endeared themselves to us and to our school community, but I’m upset and worried for them because of the impact this will have on them and on their families,” reports RTE.
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