Leitrim urged to support 170 refugees told to move out of local hotel by end of May
The community of Drumshanbo in County Leitrim has been urged to rally around the 170 refugees who have been told to move out of a hotel in the town by the end of the month.
Lough Allen Hotel in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim has been home to around 170 Ukrainian refugees for the past two years.
The hotel is predominantly used by women and children who now work and attend school in the area.
However, the hotel’s contract as an accommodation centre is coming to an end and the residents have been told they must vacate the property by May 31, 2024.
It is believed the residents were informed of the move at a recent meeting and hotel management has attempted to have the contract extended to allow the residents additional time to stay at the hotel.
Drumshanbo councillor Brendan Barry is now calling on the local community to support the Ukrainian refugees and provide temporary accommodation until they find an alternative option.
“There are different people who may be finding it difficult to pay their mortgage or high rents and they might consider letting out a room in their house to some of these people who have settled in the area.
“These people are familiar faces now because they be out and about and there has been no issues with them.
"They are good people who are working here in the community and they would like to settle here.
"Some of these people have already moved back to Ukraine or to other counties or countries but there is people in the hotel who want to stay here in the local area,” said Cllr Barry.
Cllr Barry said there is a good and welcoming community of people in Drumshanbo.
"We welcome people to our area whether they are local, tourists, refugees or whoever they are.
"We are a very welcoming community and it is a good place for anyone to come, stay and visit,” said Cllr Barry.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) said it will provide residents with alternative options, however, it is unknown where they will be moved too.
The residents can also seek to find a private rental option.
Cllr Barry said it is hoped that alternative accommodation will be found close to Drumshanbo.
"Anyone who has not found alternative accommodation themselves or with help of the local authority or the local people before May 31 will get alternative accommodation through the Department.
"They have said they will be moved as nearby as possible but I do not know what they consider to be nearby,” said Cllr Barry.
The Lough Allen hotel has been up for sale for a number of years before hosting the refugees.
“The hotel has been for sale for a long number of years and I do know if it is any closer to being sold but the accommodation contract was due to expire at the end of the month and it is just not being renewed,” said Cllr Barry.
A spokesperson for The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) said, “Temporary accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine was provided at the Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim.
"This arrangement is due to come to an end shortly.
"All accommodation contracted by the Department is temporary in nature, moves happen frequently when contracts end.
“Those who are residing at the accommodation have been contacted by the Department to notify them of the change.
"Alternative offers of accommodation will be provided to the residents, and every effort will be made to ensure that the alternate accommodation will be in the general area.
“Beneficiaries of temporary protection are also entitled to make their own private arrangements, including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish or private accommodation, and can avail of some supports to do so.”
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