Mayo prepares to embrace Ukrainian refugees

An urgent appeal has been issued to Mayo County Council to help coordinate a masterplan to provide accommodation to Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn nation.

An elected member of the authority, Councillor Ger Deere, has welcomed the decision of the Irish Red Cross to open a register for offers of houses, mobile homes and vacant rooms.

Members of the public are invited to outline their offer details on the Red Cross website.

However, Councillor Deere believes a similar online register should be put in place by the council as many people may find it easier to deal directly with a local agency.

The number of Ukrainians fleeing the war has reached one and a half million. The statistic was revealed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

“This is the fastest growing refugee crisis since World War Two,” the agency stated.

Councillor Deere said Mayo has a proud record of aiding war refugees in the past.

“I have been receiving a significant number of calls from people in the Castlebar area willing to help out the Ukrainians in their time of crisis. But the effort needs to be organised in a very professional manner.

“I would like to see Mayo County Council coming on board to assist in coordinating the effort,” he said.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said it is unclear at this point how many Ukrainians will be coming to Ireland.

He said: “Some will be able to source their own accommodation and employment but many families will not.

“So it is something we are going to have to manage and look at a range of different options, including hotels and other forms of accommodation.

“But it must be borne in mind that whatever we have to do in this country is nothing compared to what they are suffering as a result of being displaced.

“I know there is a great willingness among the Irish to help out.”