Ukrainian temporary protection centres in Kerry to close as numbers decrease
The properties currently returning to use are the King's Court Student Complex in Tralee, and Skellig Accommodation Centre in south Kerry. The buildings house a combined 48 temporary protection applicants from Ukraine.
37 residents at the King's Court must vacate the premises by June 4, while 11 people living in Skellig Accommodation Centre have until August 8 to move.
In a Department of Justice statement released this week, it said accommodation for Ukrainians is decreasing and that some accommodation centres are reverting to their original use for tourism and student living.
The process was initially scheduled for March when paused to allow for longer notice periods for residents. It's was confirmed the relocation process will commence in June and continue throughout the summer period.
Consternation arose in Kerry earlier this year when some long-term Ukrainian residents were suddenly asked to move. The plan was paused to allow children to finish the school term.
Many providers are choosing to end temporary accommodation contracts, while some compliance concerns exist around other properties. Failure to agree on rates was cited as another reason by the department.
Officials say updates will be sent through accommodation providers letting residents know when their contract is up.
If those impacted wish to continue in State-funded accommodation it will be provided in another location, but may not be in the same county. At least 30 days' notice will be given, and longer in some cases.
It was mentioned that some Ukraine accommodation centres have been accommodating international protection applicants (IPAS) as numbers have decreased.
At one point in Ireland over 60,000 Ukrainians were accommodated. However, a change in the system is deemed necessary by government to 'ensure value for money' and to initiate a more 'effective system overall'.
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