A Clare Government Senator believes the State will be up to accommodating 200,000 Ukrainian refugees should the need arise.
It comes after the Ukrainian ambassador visited North Clare over the weekend where she met met a number of the 1,000 people who’ve fled the war torn country and are now living in the area.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Ireland Larysa Gerasko visited this county on Saturday and met with people from her home country who are being accommodated here.
Around 1,000 refugees have already been put up in facilities around North and West Clare, including approximately 500 in Lisdoonvarna and 200 in Ballyvaughan.
A briefing memo to Cabinet last week suggests 10 million Ukrainians may flee the war torn country, with around 2 percent expected to arrive here.
Mountshannon-based Fianna Fail Senator Timmy Dooley says while the 200,000 figure would be a logistical difficulty should it come to fruition, it can be done.
Hundreds of people are being accommodated at the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna, with local community group Lisdoonvarna Fáilte continuing to provide support in the area.
Teresa Kelly, who works on administration for the group, says while demand for their voluntary services continues to be high, they’re seeing many Ukrainians already integrating well with the North Clare community.
Marina Trigubchak is one of the individuals being accommodated in North Clare over the last number of weeks.
Her father has remained in Ukraine where he is assisting in the fight against Russian forces.
Marina says she’s very thankful for the welcome her and her family have received since arriving in Clare.
