The Integration Minister said the government was launching “a new call” for vacant houses to accommodate those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Roderic O’Gorman said: “These are unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes. We are asking people to consider to pledge them for an initial period of six months,” reports RTE.
The new initiative will be led by local authorities who will appeal for vacant properties.
They will work with the owners to assess the suitability of the property and coordinate arrangements.
Of the total number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine who arrived in Ireland, 46,000 were taken in by the state and citizens, according to recent data from the Central Bureau of Statistics.
Owners can offer houses on offerahome.ie or by contacting the local authority where their property is located.
Mr O’Gorman said that anyone offering a house would benefit from paying the prize of 800 euros a month tax-free.
Mr. O’Gorman said that over 5,500 people are already in pledged housing, which is very important support and they are looking to build on that.
Mr O’Gorman said Ireland was hosting 64,000 Ukrainians fleeing war and seeking international protection, speaking of the obligation to ensure that no one is left homeless.
He said: “We have a moral and legal obligation to provide shelter to people feeling persecution,” reports RTE.
Addressing the recent protests at Dublin’s East Wall, O’Gorman said that when he meets people who have addressed the concerns, he hopes they can welcome them back.
He said he will provide residents with information about the numbers used by properties there and when.
According to RTE, Mr O’Gorman said: “I will be speaking to residents first of all about the context in which my department is operating.”
Waterford city and county council chief Michael Walsh said permanent vacant housing was not being sought.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Drivetime, he said: “We’re seeking it for a temporary period, minimum of six months, and we’ll consider longer. The message is very simple here. If you’ve an unoccupied dwelling, the appeal is very clear ‘please make it available on a temporary basis,” reports RTE.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland had given “a warm welcome” to Ukrainians arriving in Ireland, but warned that “one should be always careful of exploitation of situations”, reports RTE.
He said more than 60,000 people have arrived in Ireland this year and the number is much higher than the government had anticipated.
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