Department to evict 123 Ukrainian refugees from Millstreet at end of August

Irish Examiner

25-06-2025

'I would rather sleep on the streets with my dog than live in a house without him.'
These were the words of Ludmila Koren from the Green Glens Arena as she faces being separated from her best friend who was known for saving lives in his own country.
The dog Tosha's acute hearing offered warnings to Ludmila's family after the air raid sirens in her locality were damaged.
Now, the Ukrainian woman, who is one of 123 residents facing eviction from the temporary accommodation facility in Millstreet, Cork is uncertain about what the future holds for them both.
It is understood that Green Glens Arena owner Thomas Duggan was not involved with the decision and wants the residents to stay. Ludmila held her little dog tight while speaking about the eviction letter issued in recent days which states that residents will be moved to new accommodation on August 29.
A number of people are still reeling after learning they will have to leave their pets behind.
Fiona Corcoran of The Greater Chernobyl Cause with some of the 123 Ukrainian war refugees. She said: 'These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives.' Picture: Larry Cummins
Fiona Corcoran from the Greater Chernobyl Cause, a Cork charity supporting displaced Ukrainians, described the news as deeply distressing.
'It is unacceptable that Ukrainian residents are being removed from their temporary homes with little notice, vague information about their relocation, and the devastating restriction that they cannot take their beloved pets with them,' she said.
'I have seen first-hand the deep gratitude these individuals have for Ireland and specifically for the community of Millstreet, which welcomed them with open arms. These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives.
"Many of them are seeking housing in the local area, but this is made increasingly difficult by the severe shortage of rental accommodations.'
She said the impact of such a decision on lives will be detrimental.
'Children have arrived and begun their education in Irish schools, with some now transitioning into secondary school. For these children and their families, who have already faced unimaginable trauma, being uprooted again is an additional and unnecessary burden.'
Adrianna Kholostenko and her son Serafym who is going into sixth class at the loacl national school in September. 'Children have arrived and begun their education in Irish schools, with some now transitioning into secondary school. For these children and their families, who have already faced unimaginable trauma, being uprooted again is an additional and unnecessary burden.' Picture: Larry Cummins
A total of eight families at the centre are believed to have pets including dogs, cats and one guinea pig. Issued by the Department of Justice, the letters states: 'We can no longer provide accommodation for pets. If you own a pet you will have to make alternative arrangements for it.'
Ludmila has vowed to fight the decision to the bitter end. Speaking about her dog's bravery she said: 'They couldn't warn us about the rockets or missiles. The first time it happened Tosha started nudging us with his head in the direction of the basement.
Ludmila Koren with her dog Tosha whose acute hearing offered warnings to her family after the air raid sirens in her locality were damaged. Picture: Larry Cummins
"He heard the missiles when they were further away because a dog's hearing is better. There were 10 people in the house including friends and family.
"The first time Tosha did this we didn't know what was wrong with him. Then we realised he was acting this way because of the missiles. We gathered in the basements, hiding without water or electricity, simply because it was the only option.'
Ludmila, who hails from Chernigov, added that escaping unrest in Ukraine back in April 2022 was an extremely harrowing experience for Tosha.
'A bus journey that should have taken two hours took eight. We had to stop so many times because of the explosions. You could see all the animal owners clinging dearly to their pets. Tosha was so close to my chest.
"We travelled to the Polish border and took a boat from France. He was so stressed from the experience that his fur starting falling out.
Some of the 123 Ukrainian war refugees who are to be moved in August and have been told they cannot bring their pets with them. Picture: Larry Cummins
"On the boat from France he was shaking from head to toe. A vet on board was able to give him a pill because it was the only thing that calmed him down.'
Ludmila, who has an adult son named Alex, said she refuses to be separated from her pet.
'He came to me two months before the war and I really feel this was meant to be. I first heard about him online because nobody else at the shelter wanted him.
Natalia Husieva and her niece Yana with their pet guinea pig. Picture: Larry Cummins
"I knitted him clothes before he came to me even though I didn't know his size. They fit him perfectly. When he arrived in my house for the first time he went straight to his water bowl. It was like he had been with me forever.
"I fell in love with him the first day I saw. He is like another child to me and I refuse to be without him. We are looking for alternative accommodation but I would rather sleep on the streets with my dog than live in a house without him.'
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