A Clare-based Ukrainian native is hopeful that current capacity issue with refugee accommodation is just down seasonal demand from holidaymakers.
The Government has been called on to take immediate action in order to permanently solve the crisis facing those fleeing the war-torn country.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees says the Government must take swift action ensure they are provided with accommodation without delay.
The call comes as the Taoiseach said announced accommodation at Gormanston Camp in Co Meath will open on Monday for up to 200 refugees as the Citywest centre is full.
Some people fleeing the war in Ukraine had to sleep on the floor of the old Dublin Airport terminal building last night.
Mariya Nikashanova has been living in Ennis for over a decade and hopes the issue is a temporary one and that a short-term solution can be found.
Mariya believes the crisis will ease in September when toursist numbers decline.
The co-ordinator of the Clare Immigrant Support Centre has branded the Red Cross’ handling of accommodation pledges as a ‘shambles’.
Orla Ní Éilí says that homeowners in Clare had offered up rooms but that nothing ever came to fruition from this process.
Eventually the owners had to take matters into their own hands and place refugees themselves.
Orla says while she’s glad that local authorities will help sort through pledges, that an efficient national system should have been established back in April.
Listen back to the full interview here:
The Irish Red Cross is defending the length of time it’s taking for Ukrainian refugees to be housed in private homes pledged by members of the public.
Some who offered accommodation in March have only recently been contacted to begin the vetting process.
But Pat Carey, Chair of the Irish Red Cross, says it’s a complex process.
