Kerry hotel to remain home to Ukrainians after department reverse its decision
The North Kerry venue is owned by the Treacy hotel group and has housed Ukrainians since August 2022.
There had been fears in January that close to 60 Ukrainians were to be moved from the hotel to make way for the arrival of international protection applicants (IPAS).
However, Junior Minister for Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae received confirmation from the Department of Justice that Ukrainians resident at the hotel are to remain there.
Locals in Ballybunion have campaigned since January to keep their Ukrainian guests in the town as many of them are working locally and have children attending nearby schools.
Minister Healy-Rae briefed the local community of the update on Monday. The news has been welcomed by many in Ballybunion.
The Golf Hotel news comes a week after it was confirmed that two accommodation centres in Kerry, used for Ukrainians, will return to their original use from June.
The King's Court Student Complex in Tralee, and Skellig Accommodation Centre in south Kerry house a combined 48 temporary protection applicants from Ukraine.
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